How to Prepare for Your First Therapy Session

If you'd like to watch more therapy-related videos by Tori you can check out her KZbin channel - / drtoriolds
Dr. Tori Olds explains what you can expect and how to get the most out of your first therapy session with your therapist!
Feeling nervous or anxious about your first therapy appointment? That's completely normal. It's important to remember that seeking out therapy doesn't mean that there is something wrong with you, anybody can benefit from talking to someone! Remember to come up with some goals for your time in therapy. This is the start of a new relationship and it is important that your therapist is a good fit for you.
Thanks for watching!
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Deep Eddy Psychotherapy has been a leader in Psychotherapy and training in the Austin, Texas community for over 30 years. Learn more about us at deepeddypsychotherapy.com
You can find us at:
Facebook: / deepeddypsychotherapy
Twitter: / depsychotherapy
or check out our blog here:
deepeddypsychotherapy.com/blog/

[@marifer6986]

my first session is today and I'm ✨ dying ✨

[@trey5033]

Me too! I’m so nervous and stressed

[@trey5033]

Update: just had it and it was weird cuz my mom has to talk for a little but the therapist was really nice. I oddly still feel a little worried tho. Lmk how yours goes/went

[@marifer6986]

@@trey5033 mine wasn’t like I expected, my mom and dad took all the hour, so I’m going tomorrow lol

[@elisealiviah7551]

How’d it go!

[@Totallyfine29_]

me too:)

[@ccb5218]

Im going to my first session today and im literally crying from nervousness. I always tear up when trying to answer simple questions or when someone tries to pry. Thank you for giving some examples of goals because I literally have no idea

[@LeeLee-wo3ug]

How are you now? If you were at least able to put your foot through the door that is brave of you.

[@ccb5218]

@@LeeLee-wo3ug im doing ok! She was very nice and i didn’t feel judged for crying. She gave me this recyclable ice pack to distract my anxiety elsewhere and it helped a bit. Thank you for your comment, it reassures me a lot :)

[@yoonniemin6438]

I'm literally the same! It feels comforting in not being alone on how it felt, I'm glad yours is doing great and I hope mine would be just as nice I'm scheduled next week, I hope I don't burst into tears before we even start 🤣

[@yeniffertejeda1768]

I’m like that too! I’m glad I’m not alone 😭 my first session is today and I’m so nervous and almost cancelled because my brain keeps telling me that my stuff is no big deal 🙃

[@jiminbts2133]

same, so let me know how it went???? did you cry???

[@maddieade27195]

I am soooo nervous for my first time I am almost 13 and I think shes gonna think "she dosnt have any probloms shes a kid!" I am leaving in 1 hour and 15 minutes !!! this helped thank you.

[@user-uw4zt5bo4d]

How was it, i want to be ready for it

[@batking4342]

Hey, how did it go?

[@stalinsfangirl]

Omfg same how did it go pls respond

[@LeeLee-wo3ug]

Response?

[@VIRTU_PLUS]

They studied for years to be a terapist so they aren’t stupid

[@pennypuppyy]

my first session is tomorrow morning and I’m so nervous yet excited.

[@olivqka3849]

Same

[@definitely_pie]

I hope it went well for you!!

[@keikei2304]

MY IS TOMORROW AND IM SCARED

[@minit8926]

Me too T-T

[@alexniehaus6844]

sameeeee i think my mom will be there tho di that will be so weird

[@CM-rl2om]

im a bit sure im gonna cry the first second I step in

[@evevan]

BRO THERAPY IN 3 MINUTES...... IM TERRIFIED

[@juliakadovideos264]

How’d it go?

[@evevan]

@@juliakadovideos264 great! my therapist was very understanding and hooked me up with another one that'd suit my needs better :)

[@kamilatea7533]

5 minutes

[@xsitied2708]

@@evevan that’s great i hope mine goes well

[@masterofapologetics5182]

@@evevan thanks now i dont feel anxious

[@tbetts4545]

AHHHHH I HATE CRYING WHEN I GET ASKED SIMPLE QUESTIONS I got asked questions at the hospital and I was crying and I hate that I couldn't stop the tears and then I was trying so hard not to have a big grin so behind my mask

[@kajahjudkins8212]

this is me😭😭😭

[@kieran4279]

This is so me like literally just went to get a check up at the doctors the other day and I started crying bc they asked about my sleep schedule..

[@tbetts4545]

@@kieran4279 I was crying because she asked me "Do you like males or females.. or others.. or you don't like anyone" my gay is so oppressed 😭

[@thatlonelypersonhaha6621]

im 11 years old, im going to a therapist tomorrow because my moms worried about me, because ive been sad and im nervous, since its almost night

[@malkinmomo7685]

We’re starting therapy tomorrow buddies :)

[@xsitied2708]

i’m going soon because my mum noticed how the lockdown effected me and my social anxiety

[@thea411]

the hardest part of having social anxiety it’s that how are we supposed to get help if that’s exactly why we need help :’)

[@littlestchicken5080]

I know right

[@gone3519]

...I just had my first lesson and when the therapist started to talk about suicide I had this switching that makes me smile, because I'm nervous. I was never so embarrassed in my life 😥

[@Poetry4Peace]

How is everything going

[@carmeister_]

Wow, you’re so compassionate and understanding. You made therapy not seem scary. It’s disarming in a way. I feel as though I have so much dark baggage to work through and see it as not being fair to unload that on someone. I’m still a bit worried about booking my first therapy appointment but I know I must do it for the betterment of my self and my loved ones.

[@sora397]

i have my first session in 20 minutes :)) so nervous bc I've been avoiding therapy for 3 years (since I was 13) and my mom convinced me to at least try one session today. so here I am

[@-arigato_honey_pie-1401]

YOUR 14 NOWWW! CONGRATS! HOWS IT GOING??

[@sora397]

@@-arigato_honey_pie-1401 i'm actually 17!! in the comment i meant i was avoiding since i was 13, so i was 16 when i posted it haha but i no longer have therapy, im doing well!

[@-arigato_honey_pie-1401]

@@sora397 OOOO- HOWD THE SESSION GO THOUGH

[@sora397]

@@-arigato_honey_pie-1401 it went ok!! but she ended up quitting on me after 5 sessions bc i didn't spill enough😔

[@-arigato_honey_pie-1401]

@@sora397 SHE WHAT?!? ARE YOU JOKING?? DID U GET A NEW THERAPIST??

[@tokyo_arekkusu413]

Just got outta the hospital and I am being put in therapy. So I’ve been watching videos on how to prepare for therapy, I was scared of going at first but now that I know so many things I don’t think I’m really scared anymore. Nervous yeah, but I think I’m going to be okay, thank you!

[@dacey_c361]

I have my first session tomorrow at 6:30 and I’m freaking out🚶‍♂️

[@bailey-qf9hw]

How did it go bc i haven’t even made my appointment yet and I’m getting so much anxiety just thinking abt talking to someone

[@Poetry4Peace]

​@@bailey-qf9hwanxiety stop me many times I'm getting old now and I need to fix my damn mind

[@stellamariss]

My first session is tomorrow and I'm ✨freaking out✨

[@febe1895]

My first counseling session is on Tuesday and I am ✨panicking✨

[@abbynewton1460]

ME TOO, ON TUESDAY.

[@lookingforabook]

Omg mine too 🙈

[@samawah7511]

I’m panicking and i ✨DIDN'T✨even book an appointment yet

[@samawah7511]

@@sinnedgloss tysm! i will try my best:))

[@febe1895]

I WENT AND SHE WAS SO NICE

[@FreudaliciousMind]

Terrific video. Dr Olds has a comfortable style, and the topic is something that everyone asks! Great lighting/background/camera angle.

[@peachwhite7404]

you guys are doing great work as a channel and community.

[@Dobbs3]

I’m watching this 30 mins before my first session. My anxiety is through the roof 😬

[@DezGaming666]

You are very soothing to listen too

[@spacebetweencounselingserv2323]

This was a great video! Really sound advice to help those seeking therapy!

[@maddy.doesart]

My therapy session is in like 4 hours and I’m scared eye-

[@KayKay-or6cd]

I legit just contacted a therapist after years of dealing with trauma I want to let go off. I’m really scared. :/

[@maddy.doesart]

@@KayKay-or6cd I’m so sorry to hear that, but don’t be scared! My first appointment went well, she was kinda just getting to know me, and yesterday I had a virtual session. I personally didn’t like doing therapy from home but that’s just me, otherwise everything is going okay. No worries, I’m sure this will be good for u ❤️

[@Moonwatery]

Important: If you are broken that's okay too. You can fix yourself it's all inside of you . And it's not your fault to ask for help to do so. Just know that you can

[@anon6056]

Every time I've gone to a therapist I had a horrible time the entire time and was just relieved for it to be over. I think some people just need to start somewhere else on their healing journey when they're not ready for therapy and I wish that was talked about and understood more. Some people really aren't ready and they're too consumed in problems to be able to function in therapy But also thank you for the video, I will be able to prepare for when I am ready! It's helpful to know how to prepare because I'll also know when I'm at the point that therapy will be able to help

[@lngl4008]

I have finally decided to go for quite sometime, I drive and pass by the clinic but never able to go in, tomorrow I will definitely go in.

[@edwardallenpoe7764]

My first appointment is tomorrow, and I'm way more nervous than I was when I thought it was in THREE DAYS. I got the dates mixed up and now I'm just trying not to die:'')

[@michime7860]

Your voice is so calming ❤

[@Practiceofthepractice]

Very helpful video, thanks for sharing.

[@s_layon7699]

this helped me and my friend, thank you so much, you're a life saver !

[@cammysmith4743]

I can't imagine myself past tomorrow, all I know is I want to feel better than I do now. It took me years to finally ask to go to therapy. I'll be going for the first time a week from now. If this doesn't work, i don't know what I'll do.

[@Poetry4Peace]

Least you tried and that is very positive never forget just like going to the gym even if you just walk in and go out you tried that's all that matters

[@katiebennett7602]

To be fair, I don't know if counseling is a good idea for your health because the counselor will leave you to talk to other people or they might blame you for things that are not necessarily your fault. I wouldn't want to talk to someone who will eventually do things like that.

[@krissy9931]

I clicked on this video as the therapist 😂 I’ll have my first session this week with my first client 😊

[@natanieux]

I'm nervous for the day I'll get back to therapy The first I had was bc school recommended so my dad made me go, but it also didn't last long enough for me to say a thing, now I kept overthinking that if I was the one going for myself, I wouldn't say anything and it would be awkward. it helped me a little

[@safijufamily4858]

My first session is today. I'll go alone and now idk what to do. I never tell someone that I do the therapy. All parts of my body feel numb. Overthinking n also anxious got me going insane rn🤧😄

[@grimkitten8254]

lol, I honestly am pretty sure I'm broken mentally by my own doing and being just way too self-aware for years while also kinda getting into a bad depression circle basically ruining my life day by day, and that all happened online through chatting to people while also drinking heavily to kinda party online at first until it became just this weird stumbling in the depression and anxiety just knowing that people know things so learning a way out or coping mechanisms from people would be the only way to maybe get out of it, until I realized it was medical depression and got through it now I don't really show emotion and a lot of times stumble through life seeing myself and everything around me inside my head in this warped fake positive image basically telling myself everything is alright even when it isn't.

[@doginboat]

Its been 4 months, I hope your better now, sending lots of love, keep strong!!

[@gwmayela]

Just had my first session yesterday!

[@tonianndavis6841]

My first session today

[@kita_1]

my first sesson is this weeks saturdymmm,,,, AND IVE BEEN OVETHINKING IT FOR THE WHOLE WEEK ,, likw ,, this helped ,,

[@softsunlightnaiad]

Tomorrow I'm kinda anxious but I can't wait

[@willaandrews7283]

I’m going to therapy for the first time in 3 days and I’m sooo scared

[@taesgukkie8863]

How was it

[@willaandrews7283]

MHA Katie it was actually really nice, I love talking to her and she understood that I was nervous

[@marristmass]

i’ve had therapy sessions before, but those ones was with my parents about their divorce, but tomorrow morning I have my first session about my eating disorder and i am so freaking out right now

[@reasonableattempt1918]

how did it go?

[@ricenoodles8024]

Meeting doc in a few minutes. Waiting at the clinic :)

[@gamerfan81]

I have a first session on Thursday

[@TeachmeABC]

My first session is tomorrow and bit nervous 😅

[@yoliswakeswa8973]

DR Tori you once mentioned a shorter way to rewire the subconscious mind, that's if i am saying correctly, what's that KZbin, session called i need to listen to that, thank you so much it was very profound.

[@ireneclarelambus5319]

My first session would be today, and i really feel so anxious.

[@Iookism]

I've recently been having appointments with my psychologist, I didn't pay much attention because she asked me a lot of questions (to see if I'm eligible for therapy) and it made me really uncomfortable so I cried often those times lol... I told her about my eating disorder and she told my mom about it, really wish I didn't say anything about it ngl- and she said I'll have to talk to my mom about it with my ed therapist, so that freaked me out haha, really regretting it high key, but maybe it's a good thing since I'm getting help for it... so now I'm having an appointment today with a different person. The psychologist mentioned I'll have to meet with 2 different therapists? One for my depression and the other for my eating disorder? I'm not sure what my appointment will be for today, but I hope it goes well and I don't end up breaking down in front of anyone, it's really embarrassing for me- 😅

[@Hello-dr6xn]

I’m going tomorrow for my first time ahhhh I’m scared 😭😭😭💀💀

[@minit8926]

Me too

[@steph3172]

how’d it go!?!? :)

[@nothingfornothing1836]

I’m going on December 8th, thank you!

[@Nathalie0299]

Im going in 2 hours and I’m scared 😭

[@nothingfornothing1836]

Nathalie Martinez how’d it go

[@Nathalie0299]

@@nothingfornothing1836 it went well, I was super nervous but she understood me :)

[@nothingfornothing1836]

Nathalie Martinez that’s good! I’m sure that’s how it’ll go for me tomorrow as well

[@Nathalie0299]

@@nothingfornothing1836 ofc it will go well! And I hope it does :)

[@mzwetlovequeen]

I like your style. My counselor never smiles until end of the session. I feel more like a case study than a client getting help. My counselor never admitted they could not help me/us. My husband still want to look pretty like you after all those sessions we went to. And I still want to wear the pants. We need help. Please make video on counselors stepping up to admit when they dont have the skill to help someone. Thanks

[@scourgeashfur9546]

I have my first session tomorrow and i have to do it with my mom, im really anxious about it cause i wrote some stuff down that ive never told my mom on the form thingy i had to fill out. I really really hope they dont mention anything relating to it :/

[@JazmyneYvette]

Just left my first sessions.. i cried. Lol

[@slytherincat6687]

I have my first session tomorrow and I’m SOOO nervous bc I’m super awkward and have no idea how to explain how I feel. In some way I always ends up in embarassing and super-clumsy scenes, so I’m probably gonna accidentally break the chairs (it has happened before…)

[@eveenaaa]

i have my first session tomorrow and i honestly have no idea how its gonna go. we had a phonecall last day and it didn't really feel nice when we talked :( actually you can't even consider that talking. i couldn't get anything out and my whole mind went blank when she started talking to me and i almost cried. im very nervous about tomorrow i kinda feel like not showing up ughh idk what to do. what if i can't speak when we're talking face to face? what if i just start crying god i fuckinh hate this

[@eliaol4231]

​@@eveenaaa I have no idea how to answer what I want with therapy like what do I tell her

[@eveenaaa]

@@eliaol4231 oh damn icb that was seven months back...anyways update: i didn't go :]

[@eliaol4231]

@@eveenaaa WHY?)

[@liome8747]

😂😂😂you are theraping me with your comments

[@mentallyillsal]

First one tomorrow 🥲

[@NoName-kc4jn]

I’m in the waiting room right now. It’s my first time, I’m anxious for some reason, I just don’t know how it will be.

[@Crazyemogirl]

I’m trying to get a counselor for my anxiety. My doctor recommended it for me instead of medication. And me and my grandma both think that it’s a great idea,but my mother won’t allow it,and idk what to do.my grandma is trying to set me an appointment with someone.Idk if I should just do it,even though my mom said no ,or should I just go with my grandma ,and get a counselor? If I don’t it might get worse,because it feels like it gets worse everyday.

[@thecrystalflower3729]

I have my first therapy appointment in a week. On the one hand I'm excited bc I finally can get help for my anxiety and depression But one the other hand I'm kinda nervous bc I don't open that easily especially when it comes to my mental health, But now I have at least some ideas of what to mentally prepare for.

[@ep8703]

i know this is late but how did it go?

[@thecrystalflower3729]

@@ep8703 so I first couple of appointments whent decided though I'm currently in between therapist only because her way of therapy wasn't what I pursonly needed but hopefully I'll have more susses with the next therapist

[@liome8747]

😂😂😂😂 am dying too reading your last message before the funeral 😂😂😂😂

[@melodyperson6684]

My first is tomorrow

[@wolfracer18]

My first online therapy is today so nervous!!

[@dhimbansay703]

I have my first session in 1 hour and 29 mins🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯

[@jennkaidem222]

Session Tuesday

[@mariamahmadou3730]

Please I really someone to talk to and share my worries with. How do get to know any therapist around even online

[@soumiamoujane3695]

I've got my first virtual therapy session tomorrow, and I'm so nervous.

[@s.a.d9714]

Just signed up for thearpy and I feel like crying

[@jessxviola]

I'm 12 and my first session is in ~3 days (Thursday, and it's Monday as I'm writing this.) I have no idea what therapy is going to be like for me, if it will help at all, if it'll be easy, if it's gonna be nice.. I don't know. I'm also nervous about opening up to my therapist when I go see her because if I can't even open up to my parents about my problems, how will I open up to her? I've had quite a horrible past 5 years so far. Just constantly getting worse and worse. I feel like my issues aren't THAT bad and that there's people that have it worse than me and they could use therapy way more than me, and that I'm wasting their time with my stupid problems. I'm hoping everything goes well.

[@t3hwa]

in 7 hours im going to have my first session with my new therapist and its weird cause ive been with my old therapist for years 😕😕😕

[@lilcray1172]

I know I NEED to see a therapist but I’m both afraid and concerned about it and don’t know how to go about it

[@michalvavrica5932]

Therapy worth milions

[@shariecebrewster5962]

Yes I need a Dr to call 📞 as well

[@tswizzleb]

My first session is in less than a hour, I’m so nervous right now

[@JellyKittenszs]

How was it?

[@cin4114]

im going on monday after school.. and wow.. im nervous..

[@asifm8485]

My first ever session in 1 hour, and I have been delaying therapy for an year, but yea first ever therapy session in an hour. Don't know what to expect but have high expectations, kinda scares me

[@jessicaabbott10]

I’ve been having panic attacks since I booked my first appointment, which is still almost a month away. I’m so used to verbal abuse and invalidation over the things I need to talk about that I’m afraid of being raged at and gaslighted when I do go to my appt, or feel like I’m a waste of time.

[@GloFazo]

Good luck ❤️

[@aurora6466]

My first session is today IIM NERVOUS

[@haru2]

My first session is today and I’m so nervous

[@piss3468]

my first appointment is tomorrow im so scared help

[@Brandon_YT560]

I'm 13 and I'm going to my first session is in 30 mins I really think this is going to help

[@Brandon_YT560]

Note: it went well

[@ellienov9592]

I'm still not brave enough to go to therapy, even if I have been thinking about it for four years now.. there are so many reasons I don't want to go but at the same time I feel like I'm slowly falling apart mentally lol

[@alicehorner5660]

I have like an assessment thing today and I'm already dead

[@traevon_zw7173]

I have my first practical exam today and I'm mad nervous

[@justanotherwreck]

I have my first session in 3 hours and I’m so anxiousssss :(

[@OA2605]

can you help me with this thought It was my first time, I opened up and I felt like I got judged. He talked about his life problems, sorta compared and showed how small my problem is. And my problem is NOT small. I am surrounded by such people that it's now getting suffocating living in here. He declared me as immature and negative. should I go for the second meeting with this therapist?

[@claudial8495]

yeah you totally should

[@OA2605]

@@claudial8495 the same one who didn't make me feel good and make me feel so small about my feelings?

[@claudial8495]

​ @Ozosawi omg im sorry I completely read it wrong. I thought you were talking about going for a second meeting with a NEW therapist. im so sorry. I meant you should totally drop the first one :((

[@OA2605]

@@claudial8495 I'm so glad you replied. thank youuu very muchh. I'll consider it :))

[@aliciam7774]

Even if the patient is inmature and negative i don't think there's a need to make them feel so unconfortable by saying it thay way.. definetely find a new therapist

[@prateekyadav9811]

Gon leave in 15 mins for my first and I feel like am tearing myself a new one.

[@cloudhhhh]

i feel like I can't be emotionally vulnerable with the therapist I'm gonna be seeing bc to them it's treating a patient not having a conversation with a friend so I shouldn't overshare but literally that's what they're supposed to do what's wrong with me😭😭

[@kaushiki.k.s]

I thought I was the only getting the jitters before my first therapy session

[@nunya3583]

I am so nervous ive been sleeping for 12 hours just woke up session in 12min....

[@Flake52]

I’m scared, I am not sure if I actually need therapy or not..been thinking about this for a year.

[@4b6t]

I'm so nervous what if they invalidate what I'm feeling

[@user-xu7me4fr5y]

My first session after 8 hours , i didn't sleep yet , i didn't expect to be too anxious as i am now , and i didn't expect that all people in comments feel the same too , I'm so nervous and i feel like it's a huge step for me to do , I'm so afraid but i pretend in home that i don't care , i will try to sleep , i will try to calm down , but i think my head will scream from thinking and my heart is like a running hamster 😂 , it will be ok , everything will be ok

[@RMTEKNOKALA]

Is everything OK ?

[@user-xu7me4fr5y]

Yeah , i think she is kind , thank you ❤

[@kaylanunn]

Hey

[@Roseberry606]

Me about to write a whole script for therapy 💀

[@aleynaelanur6218]

Talking to a doc about my mental health issues in 2 hours and all I'm scared of is crying lol

[@arandomhuman1236]

My session is in like 40 something minutes and I’m terrified

[@muniraa4299]

How did it go? Mine is td and I’m so scared lmao

[@Steph89380]

My first session is in 2 hrs >.< nervous

[@marissarenee4123]

All I do in therapy is cry and it’s so annoying.

[@user-yp9qe3fp3w]

My first therapy session will happen in 2 hours and thirty minutes

[@rosie-joaustin6811]

I am eight years old and I’m having my first session tomorrow. I’m so scared😢

[@soumiamoujane3695]

Who will make the call to start the meeting?. Me or the person who invited me to the meeting?.

[@shunlei4188]

my first therapy session is in an hour. im freaking out