What to Expect for the Intake Session
So you've decided to go to therapy. Good for you!! It is not easy coming to that decision and I'm proud of you for wanting to learn helpful skills, process uncomfortable emotions, and overall, function better.
If you have never been to therapy before, you're probably wondering what the intake session will be like.
The first session normally begins with your therapist introducing themselves and the role of therapy, and then reviewing client rights, responsibilities, and confidentiality. Next comes what therapists call the psychosocial assessment. Essentially, this assessment is a document that fully encompasses your life - it informs your therapist what makes you YOU!
The first question you will likely be asked is, "What brings you here today?". This is called the "Presenting Problem" and your therapist will use this to help build a treatment plan with you. Your therapist will go over symptoms that you may be experiencing, how long you have struggled with these issues, how it affects your daily living, and what you hope to get out of therapy.
Your therapist will then dive into your history and ask where you were born, who you grew up with, what our relationships were like with your family members, family history of mental illness, where you went to school, and any significant moments in your life that formed who you are today such as traumatic events. Your therapist will also gain information on your current living situation and relationships.
Your therapist will then ask you about your social life - your vocation, what friendships you have, romantic relationships, and any issues you are currently experiencing (i.e. drama in your friend group or fighting with your significant other).
Your strengths and what you like to do for fun is also important to your therapist, so they will ask you what you are good at and what talents you have.
Smaller items on the psychosocial assessment will include if you are on medication, any health complications, substance use, spiritual/religious identification, legal history, and so forth.
Once the psychosocial is complete, if there is time, your therapist will collaborate with you on your treatment plan. Your treatment plan will include goals, objectives, time frames, frequency of treatment, and interventions to help you achieve your goals. If there is not enough time to complete this in the intake, then you and your therapist will create it in your second session.
Starting therapy can be daunting! It is hard to meet new people and open up to them in ways that will not always be comfortable. I applaud you for taking the step to schedule an intake and wish you the best of luck on your journey. Remember, the more in depth you are about yourself and your struggles the better, so that your therapist has a deeper understanding of you and what will benefit you in therapy.
