What to Expect in Your First Therapy Session

Starting therapy for the first time can feel overwhelming. You might be wondering what to say, what your therapist will ask, or how the process even works. Whether you’re seeking therapy in Eatontown, Monmouth County, or through teletherapy anywhere in New Jersey, your first session is about more than just information — it’s about building trust and creating a safe space to begin your healing journey.

At Explore Within, Marie understands how important that first step can feel. Her approach is warm, compassionate, and tailored to your unique needs. Here’s a detailed overview of what you can expect during your first therapy session and how it sets the foundation for growth.

Sharing Your Story: History and Symptoms

During your first session, you’ll spend time talking about what brought you to therapy. This is your chance to share openly about your history, challenges, and hopes for the future. Marie may ask questions about your background, relationships, medical history, and daily routines to gain a fuller picture of your experience.

Common concerns clients bring to their first session include:

• Symptoms of anxiety: worry, racing thoughts, restlessness, panic attacks

• Symptoms of depression: sadness, loss of interest, fatigue, appetite or sleep changes

• Mood-related struggles: extreme highs (mania or hypomania), extreme lows (depression), rapid mood swings that are common for those struggling with bipolar disorder, difficulty maintaining stability in daily life

• Trauma and PTSD symptoms: flashbacks, hypervigilance, avoidance of reminders

• Relationship struggles: conflict, communication challenges, difficulty with boundaries

• Stress-related issues: burnout, perfectionism, difficulty managing life transitions

These conversations aren’t about judgment or diagnosis. They’re about helping you feel seen, understood, and supported.

Answering Your Questions About Therapy Modalities

Every client is different, and therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all. That’s why Marie uses a range of evidence-based modalities to meet you where you are. In your first session, she’ll explain these approaches and answer any questions you may have about how they work.

Her therapeutic modalities include:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps identify and reframe negative thoughts and behaviors, often used for anxiety and depression.

• Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT): Focuses on identifying unhelpful beliefs, challenging them, and replacing them with healthier, more empowering perspectives.

• Mindfulness-Based Therapy: Incorporates awareness and grounding practices to reduce stress and improve emotional balance.

• Trauma-Informed Care: Creates a safe, nonjudgmental environment for clients with a history of trauma.

• Holistic Approaches: Blends traditional therapy with lifestyle, self-care, and creative strategies.

In your first session, Marie will help you explore which of these approaches feels like the best fit for your needs and goals.

Setting Goals and Building a Personalized Plan

After discussing your history and symptoms, Marie will collaborate with you to begin setting goals for therapy. These might include:

• Short-term goals: reducing anxiety symptoms, improving sleep, feeling less overwhelmed

• Long-term goals: building self-esteem, healing from trauma, finding balance in relationships

• Session frequency: deciding whether weekly, bi-weekly, or another schedule is right for you

• Referrals or collaboration: if medication or outside resources may be beneficial, Marie can guide you in that process

This is not a rigid process — your treatment plan evolves with you. The goal is to create something that feels both structured and flexible enough to support your growth.

What Therapy Is Not

It’s natural to worry that a therapist might judge you or simply hand you a “label.” Therapy at Explore Within is not about quick fixes or telling you what’s wrong with you. Instead, it’s about creating a collaborative relationship where you feel safe to explore challenges, learn new tools, and find clarity.

Preparing for Your First Session

Many clients find it helpful to prepare for their first session by jotting down:

• What you hope to gain from therapy

• Questions you’d like to ask about modalities or the process

• Symptoms or struggles that feel most urgent right now

• Any past experiences with therapy (positive or negative)

You don’t have to come perfectly prepared — therapy is a process — but having some notes can help you feel more grounded.

Local Support in Eatontown & Monmouth County

For those living in Eatontown and across Monmouth County, NJ, in-person therapy sessions provide the comfort of face-to-face connection. If you’re located elsewhere in New Jersey or prefer the flexibility of virtual care, teletherapy is available statewide. Many clients find teletherapy just as effective as in-person sessions, with the added convenience of joining from home.

Final Thoughts

Beginning therapy is a courageous step, and your first session is the beginning of building a supportive, trusting relationship. By exploring your history and symptoms, learning about therapeutic modalities, and setting initial goals, you’ll leave with a clearer idea of what therapy can look like for you.

At Explore Within in Eatontown, NJ, Marie is here to guide you through the process with compassion and expertise. Whether in-person or through teletherapy, you’ll find a space to begin healing and growing.

Schedule your first therapy session today and take the first step toward change.