Most people feel nervous before a first session — including, quietly, most therapists before theirs. Here is the honest walkthrough we give every new client, so the unknown stops being the hardest part.
Before you arrive
You will receive a short form: contact details, what brings you in, and anything you want us to know. There is nothing to study and no “right” answers. Wear whatever you like; bring coffee if you like.
The first ten minutes
We cover the practicalities: confidentiality and its rare exceptions, how sessions run, fees, and how to reach us between visits. Then the floor is yours. Many clients start with “I don’t really know where to begin” — a perfect beginning.
The middle: your story
Your therapist will ask about what brings you in now, relevant history, and what you hope changes. You decide how much to share. Silence is allowed; tears are allowed; laughter happens more often than people expect.
Three things that help
- One sentence of intent. “I want mornings to feel less heavy” gives us more than a perfect autobiography.
- Honesty about nerves. Saying “I’m anxious about being here” is useful clinical information — and instantly normalizing.
- Questions for us. Ask about experience, methods, timelines. A good therapist welcomes being interviewed.
The last ten minutes
We summarize what we heard, suggest a direction, and agree on next steps — another session, a different service, or sometimes simply reassurance that you are doing fine. You leave with a plan, never a prescription for endless therapy.
Ready to begin? Book a free assessment — in person in Baltimore or by secure video, usually within a day or two.
By Dr. Daniel Reyes · Reviewed by the Marigold clinical team
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