What to Expect During Your First Therapy Session (Therapy Practice in Paris 10 - for Expats)
Making an appointment for a first therapy session is an important step. For many people, this decision comes with many questions:
What will I have to talk about? Will I be judged? Will I be able to find the right words?
These concerns are very common. The first session is above all a time for meeting and conversation. It allows us to get to know each other and for you to see whether you feel comfortable and safe enough to begin a therapeutic journey.
The first session: a space and a time to explore what brings you here
During our first appointment, I will invite you to share what brings you to therapy at this particular moment in your life.
It may be related to:
a difficult period you are currently going through;
anxiety, stress, or a general feeling of unease;
relationship difficulties;
a significant life change (separation, bereavement, becoming a parent, career change, moving abroad…);
or simply a desire to better understand yourself.
You do not need to have a clear idea of what is wrong, nor do you need to know exactly what to say. Sometimes, simply beginning to put words to what we are experiencing can already allow new insights and connections to emerge.
Do I need to tell my whole story during the first session?
No. Therapy is not an interrogation, and you do not have to reveal everything immediately. Everyone moves at their own pace, with their own boundaries and emotions.
My role is to support you within a safe and respectful space, giving you the time you need to explore what feels important. As the sessions progress, connections may gradually emerge between your personal history, emotions, behaviours, and relationships.
The first session is also about seeing if the connection feels right
The relationship between therapist and client is an essential part of the therapeutic process.
It is important that you feel:
listened to;
respected;
free to speak openly without fear of judgment;
comfortable with the therapist’s approach and way of working.
It is therefore completely normal to see the first session as an opportunity to sense whether my approach feels right for you.
My Approach
As a Psychopractitioner trained in Psycho-Organic Analysis, I offer a warm and supportive space where you can explore what you are experiencing at your own pace.
Psycho-Organic Analysis is a humanistic approach that considers the whole person: emotions, thoughts, body, and personal history.
I accompany adults who wish to better understand themselves, navigate periods of change, or find greater balance and serenity in their personal or professional lives.
I welcome clients at my practice in Paris 10th, near Place de la République, in both French and English, and I also offer online sessions.
In Summary
The first therapy session is simply a first step: an opportunity to get to know each other, ask questions, and see whether you feel ready to begin this process.
👉 Are you considering starting therapy? Feel free to get in touch to arrange an initial appointment.
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