What to Expect in Your First Online Therapy Session
Starting therapy is a big step—especially if it's your first time, or your first time doing it online. If you're feeling a mix of relief, nerves, and "what do I actually do once I log in," that's completely normal. Most of that uncertainty tends to ease once you know roughly what to expect, so here's an honest look at what your first session might actually feel like.
There's No Rush
My hope for our first session together is simple: that you feel welcomed, seen, and comfortable being yourself. There's no pressure to share more than you're ready for, and no expectation that you'll walk in with everything figured out. We'll move at whatever pace feels steady and respectful for you—this is your process, not a checklist to get through.
We'll Talk About What Brought You Here
I'll ask what led you to reach out and what you're hoping for from our work together, and you don't need the "right" words or a tidy, organized story to answer. I'll listen with care and curiosity, and I'll take my time getting to know you—the relationships that matter most in your life, and what you've been carrying, both the hard parts and the meaningful ones.
This first conversation isn't about diagnosing you in an hour. It's about starting to understand what's been shaping your experience, and how things came to feel the way they do.
I'll Share How I Work
I'll also give you a sense of how I tend to work with clients, so our time together feels a little less like a mystery. That includes what our sessions might generally look like going forward, room for any questions about the process, and space for whatever concerns come up—including simply noticing how it feels to be in the room with me, even when that room is virtual.
Getting Comfortable With Online Sessions
If this is your first time trying therapy virtually, a little preparation goes a long way. Find a private spot where you can speak freely without interruption, and take a minute beforehand to check your camera, microphone, and connection so you're not troubleshooting during the session itself. Headphones can help too, both for privacy and sound clarity. And if you can, give yourself a few quiet minutes before and after—online sessions have a way of ending abruptly if you're rushing straight into the next thing, and that small buffer makes the transition feel a lot less jarring.
What This Session Is Really About
More than anything, a first session is about getting a feel for one another and beginning to build a sense of safety together. It goes both ways—you're also getting a sense of whether this feels like the right fit for you, and that matters just as much as anything else we talk about.
By the end, my hope is that you'll leave feeling a little more supported, a little less alone, and a bit clearer on what working together might look like from here.
If you're ready to take that first step, I offer online therapy for individuals and couples throughout Colorado. I'm always glad to answer questions before you book.