What to expect from your first session

The decision to begin psychotherapy is, in itself, an act of courage and self-care.
It’s entirely natural to feel questions or uncertainty about what this process involves and how to prepare for your first step.
Below you’ll find some basic information that may help you feel more comfortable and set realistic expectations for this new journey.

Before Your First Session

Practical steps:

Make sure you’ve confirmed the time and place of your session, as well as the name of the person who will meet you.
If it’s an online session, check that you’ve received the meeting link.

It’s helpful to bring any relevant documents about your personal and family medical history, recent blood tests, and/or brain scans, if available.

Don’t forget your AMKA (Greek social security number), as it may be requested for your medical file.

All of this helps your therapist form a more complete picture and make meaningful use of the time during your first meeting.

Emotional preparation: 


It’s completely normal to feel anxious or hesitant before the session. Here are some ways to prepare yourself mentally:

Reflect on what led you to seek help.

If you find it helpful, note down the issues or questions you’d like to discuss.

Remember that the goal of the first session is not to rush through everything that concerns you, but to lay the first foundations of a trusting relationship.

Your therapist is there to listen without judgment, offering you space, acceptance, and companionship in whatever you bring.

During Your First Session

The first session is primarily an opportunity for mutual acquaintance and exploration — to see whether and how you can walk together on this therapeutic path.
It usually lasts between 50 and 90 minutes and typically includes:

An initial introduction and getting to know each other.

Discussion about the reasons that brought you to therapy.

A brief overview of your personal and family history.

Information about how the therapist works, session frequency, and practical details.

At the end, the therapist may share some initial reflections about the process or how they can support you.
Don’t worry if this doesn’t happen immediately — it’s common for 2–3 sessions to be needed before your goals or main themes become clear.

Every therapeutic journey is unique, just as every person is unique.
What matters most is creating a safe space of trust and respect, where you can express yourself freely.

After Your First Session

Take a little time afterward to reflect:

How did you feel during the session?

Did you feel heard and understood?

What thoughts or emotions surfaced that you might want to explore further in future sessions?

Turning to psychotherapy is not a sign of weakness — it’s a courageous choice to know yourself more deeply and give yourself room for growth, acceptance, and change.
You don’t need to have all the answers or be certain about every step.

All that’s required is to be genuinely present — with honesty and openness to self-exploration.

Psychotherapy is a living, evolving process.
You are a co-creator of it, and with time, trust, and consistency, it can become both a safe refuge and a powerful space for personal discovery.