Feeling nervous about your first psychology appointment is completely normal. This article explains what to expect, how to prepare, and what happens after your first session with Sureway Health & Wellbeing.
Key Points
Summary:
Starting therapy for the first time can feel daunting, but knowing what to expect makes all the difference. Sureway Health & Wellbeing offers psychology and counselling support in Melbourne, with psychology assessment services tailored to each person's goals and needs.
Outline:
Starting therapy for the first time can bring up a lot of feelings. You might feel nervous, unsure, or even relieved that you've taken this step. All of these feelings are normal.
At Sureway Health & Wellbeing, we want your first appointment to feel like a safe and welcoming space. This article will walk you through what to expect at your first session, how to prepare beforehand, and what happens next.
By the end, you'll feel more confident and ready to take this important step towards better mental health, with support from our team who provide psychology and counselling services across Victoria.
Your first session is all about setting a good foundation. It's a chance to learn more about what you can achieve through therapy and how the whole process works.
Our psychology sessions generally run for 50 minutes. During your initial appointment, we aim to get a full picture of you and your situation. Your psychologist will want to understand more about you and how they can best help. So be prepared for a few simple questions, such as:
From there, we will work with you to develop goals and identify the issues you want to address and the changes you'd like to make.
Together, we will regularly review your progress and goals. How often you come back for follow-up sessions will depend on your situation and what you're working towards. You'll always be involved in planning your care,
Feeling prepared can make a big difference to how you experience your first appointment. Here are some simple tips to help you get ready, so you can make the most of your time with us.
Before your session, try to find the words that describe how you're feeling. Writing down the reasons you're seeking support can help. Once you've made your list, try reading it out loud. Saying it a few times often makes it easier to explain clearly during your appointment.
Your first session is a great chance to talk about what you want to achieve. Many people feel stuck in their situation and find it hard to picture what's next. Take some time before your appointment to think about what you'd like to be able to do differently. This will help you get more out of your therapy.
A standard psychology session runs for around 50 minutes. We want you to feel relaxed and unrushed, so try to arrive a few minutes early to settle in since there’s often some paperwork and a few questions to fill out.
The more you understand about the different types of therapy, the more comfortable you'll feel. Therapy is a private and safe process, and we're here to work through things together. Feel free to ask questions or tell us about things you've tried before that haven't worked. You know yourself better than anyone.
You don't need to have all the answers before you start. Even if you're not sure what's wrong or what's causing it, we can help you figure it out together. Assessing your needs and supporting you through treatment is what we do best. After your first session, we'll usually have a good idea of how many sessions might help. Some people only need a few sessions. Others prefer ongoing support. There's no right or wrong answer, only what works best for you.
If you're planning to claim a Medicare or private health fund rebate, or if you've been referred by an insurer, it helps to bring the relevant details. We're also happy to receive scanned copies of past assessments or school reports. You can send these to our reception team ahead of time. Their contact details are in your confirmation email.
It's normal to have a few worries before your first appointment. Many people attending their first psychology session worry about being judged, not knowing what to say, or getting emotional. Others have questions about confidentiality, what's expected of them, and how long the process will take.
Here are some of the most common concerns people bring to their first session, and why there's no need to worry.
"Will my psychologist judge me?”
Many people worry their thoughts or feelings might seem strange. Our psychologists are trained to create a safe, understanding, and non-judgmental space for you.
“What if I don't know what to say?”
This is a common fear. Your psychologist will guide the conversation with simple, open questions about your life and what's been going on for you.
“Will I get emotional or cry?”
It's completely normal to feel emotional during a session. Expressing your feelings is a healthy part of the process.
“How much should I share?”
You only need to share what feels comfortable for you. Trust builds naturally over time.
“Will my psychologist therapist just tell me what to do?”
Rather than giving direct advice, our therapists help you explore your own patterns and build the skills to reach your goals.
“Is what I say kept private?”
Confidentiality is important to us. Your therapist will explain confidentiality and the limits to confidentiality, such as situations involving immediate risk, early in your first session.
As your first session comes to a close, your psychologist will usually review what you've talked about. They'll share some initial thoughts on how to move forward. This could include practical next steps, helpful strategies, or simply more time spent understanding your situation. It really depends on your needs.
This is also a great time to ask any last questions. It's important that the goals you set together feel realistic and achievable for you.
It's completely okay to leave your first session with more questions than you started with. You can jot these down and bring them up next time, if you decide to continue with the same psychologist.
Sometimes, you'll know straight away that you've found a good match with your psychologist. Other times, it might not feel like the right fit. If this happens, please don't give up. Finding the right psychologist can take a little time, but it can make a real difference once you do.
Taking the first step towards support is a big deal, and we're here to make it as easy as possible.
We provide services across Australia, with several welcoming locations throughout Victoria. Every space we create is designed to feel safe, inclusive, and accessible for everyone.
If you're in Melbourne, you can reach our Bundoora clinic on (03) 8418 0567. Our friendly team can answer your questions and help you book a session.
We also offer psychology support through telehealth, available Australia-wide for adult clients. Telehealth sessions work just like our in-person appointments, except you connect with us online or over the phone. This means you can access quality support from our team no matter where you live.
Ready to take the first step? Reach out to our team today and let us help you get started.
Sureway Health and Wellbeing psychology team provide services across the following locations: Bundoora, Mill Park, Thomastown, Reservoir, Greensborough, Watsonia, Eltham, Diamond Valley, North Eastern Melbourne and via telehealth Australia wide.
