At the beginning of our work together, we begin by getting to know what your concerns are, what you would like to get out of our work together. From there I will get some personal history from you like, whether you have been in therapy before, any illnesses and medications you might be taking, a family history, a trauma history etc. and any other issues and concerns you think I should know.
This is also an opportunity to ask me questions about how I work. If we don’t have enough time we will continue next time with your questions.
For you, this is important that you let yourself feel whatever you might be feeling, such as” I am not comfortable talking about myself,” or “I am not comfortable talking to her,” she is asking me questions I don’t know how to answer” or ” I am feeling more at ease than I thought I would”, or “I feel she is getting what I am saying and is hearing me.”
Whatever you feel is important. I will check in with you to see how you are doing and you don’t have to say anything if you don’t want to or you don’t know how to say what you feel, or you don’t know how you feel. Bottom line, you can share whatever it is you might be feeling even if it doesn’t feel good to you to share and you don’t have to.
Sharing how you feel is a way we can find out what you need so I can address your needs on all levels of your being right at the beginning of our work. It is entirely up to you. This is the way we begin to develop trust and a relationship that supports the important work ahead.