The first session between a psychologist and a client is crucial in establishing a positive and productive therapeutic relationship. The psychologist's approach will depend on the client's needs and the therapeutic orientation they follow. However, here are some common things a psychologist might say or do during the first session:
Introduction and welcome: The psychologist will greet the client warmly, introduce themselves, and create a comfortable and safe environment.
Confidentiality: They will explain the importance of confidentiality and the limits to it, ensuring the client's privacy and trust.
Purpose of the session: The psychologist will clarify the purpose of the first session, which is typically an assessment phase where the psychologist gathers information about the client's concerns, history, and goals.
Background information: They may ask about the client's personal history, family background, medical history, and any relevant experiences to gain a comprehensive understanding.
Open-ended questions: The psychologist will use open-ended questions to encourage the client to talk freely and share their feelings and experiences.
Active listening: Throughout the session, the psychologist will actively listen and show empathy to build rapport and validate the client's emotions.
Therapeutic approach: The psychologist might explain their therapeutic orientation or approach to help the client understand what to expect from the therapy.
Goal setting: They will work collaboratively with the client to set therapy goals and discuss the client's expectations for the therapeutic process.
Feedback and clarification: The psychologist may summarize the client's concerns to ensure a clear understanding and give feedback on the initial assessment.
Addressing questions and concerns: The psychologist will address any questions or concerns the client may have about therapy or the therapeutic process.
Discussing frequency and duration: They will discuss the frequency of sessions and an estimated duration of therapy based on the client's needs.
Establishing boundaries: The psychologist will set clear boundaries for communication, session cancellations, and emergencies.
Next steps: Towards the end of the session, the psychologist will discuss the next steps, whether that's scheduling the next appointment or referrals to other professionals if necessary.
Remember that each psychologist may have their unique approach, and the first session is as much about the client getting to know the therapist as it is about the therapist understanding the client's needs. The psychologist will tailor their approach based on the client's individual circumstances, culture, and preferences.