What an Intake Session Really Looks Like: What to Expect
Written by Nikita Swarna, LMFT-Associate
Starting therapy or can feel intimidating, especially if you’re not sure what happens in that first session. Many people wonder, “What will I actually do? Will I feel judged?” To help ease the uncertainty, here’s a clear look at what an intake session is really like:
1. A Safe Space to Be Yourself
The very first part of an intake session is about creating a safe, welcoming environment. This is your chance to relax and know that everything you share is confidential. Think of it as a judgment-free zone where your thoughts, feelings, and experiences are respected. Feeling safe from the start makes it easier to open up and engage fully in the process.
2. Sharing Your Story
Next, you will have the opportunity to share your story. This allows you to give me context about your experiences, struggles, and what brought you here. This step ensures that I truly understand you, which is essential for meaningful guidance and support.
3. Identifying Your Goals
Once you share your story, the session shifts to your goals. What do you hope to achieve? Your goals can be broad, like feeling more confident or managing stress, or specific, like improving communication skills. Clarifying your goals helps create a shared understanding of what we’re working toward together.
4. Understanding the Process
After your goals are outlined, I will explain how the sessions will work and look like. This may include what approaches are used, what a typical session can look like, and how progress is tracked. Understanding the process helps set realistic expectations and empowers you to actively participate in your own growth.
5. Knowing the Next Steps
Together, we will talk about what the next steps look like for you. This may involve scheduling future sessions, completing assessments, or starting specific exercises. Knowing what comes next provides clarity and confidence as you begin this journey.
Why the Intake Session Matters
Intake sessions are designed to be welcoming, informative, and collaborative. They create the foundation for meaningful work by:
Establishing a safe space
Listening to your story
Setting goals
Explaining the process
Outlining next steps
If you are feeling nervous about your first session, remember: the intake session is all about you, your experiences, and taking the first step toward positive change.
If you’re ready to feel seen, supported, and understood, your intake session is the perfect place to start. Click the link below to schedule a free consultation call!
