The First Therapy Session: A Guide for New Clinicians

The First Therapy Session: A Guide for New Clinicians offers a compassionate, practical framework for starting therapy in a way that centers the client—not the paperwork. Designed for early-career therapists, this guide outlines how to build trust, explore the client’s story, and collaborate on goals while staying grounded, authentic, and present. It helps new clinicians navigate common worries with confidence and approach the first session as the beginning of a healing relationship rather than a procedural checklist.