Lisa Brookes Kift, MFTConsidering therapy for the first time? People often come in for the first time with a host of incorrect assumptions about the process and sometimes a little anxiety around what to expect. I’d like to demystify this.
Therapists have their own unique processes but I’ll give you a general idea based on a typical experience with me.
Don’t want therapy but looking for real human expert feedback? Ask Lisa via email.
- Intake and Consent for Treatment: You’ll fill out these forms ahead of session digitally via my therapy portal. There is general information, fees and office policy explanations, etc.
- Assessment: If you’ve come to me for individual therapy, there’s likely something not working for you that you’d like support around. I’ll want to understand what you’re hoping to get from the process. I might talk a little more about how I work as it applies to your issue, give you a chance to ask me questions, etc.
- Your Story: I’ll ask about contributing factors including whether there is history around the situation. I might explore whether you have any insights into early origins of the challenges. I won’t get your full story in the session but we’ll begin to put it together.
- Wrap Up: In the last few minutes of the therapy session, I try to wrap things up by summarizing highlights; what was learned, restating your goals, check in with how you’re feeling and offer you an opportunity to ask questions. It’s important to feel the potential for a good therapist-client fit, to make sure you are comfortable.
The first session is ultimately primarily about information gathering and starting to establish the therapeutic relationship. Research has shown that this is a critical piece in successful therapy experiences for people. My aim is to establish trust and emotional safety to do deeper work as needed.
Learn about my individual therapy practice in Marin County, California.
