Madiha Rana – 3rd Place in the WMHD Online Exhibition of Creative Works
So, you’ve taken a courageous and important step. You’ve decided to see a psychologist because
your thoughts are tangled , you’re stuck somewhere in your life .Maybe you’ve been carrying
something heavy for a while, or something new has thrown you off balance. Now, as that first
session approaches, it’s completely natural to feel a few nerves kicking in.
You may feel that butterfly sensation in your stomach, a slight tremor in your hands, and racing
thoughts about what to say, what will happen in the session. What psychologist will think about
me .If this sounds familiar, take a deep breath. These feelings are completely normal and
universal.
As a psychologist, I can assure you that first-session jitters are a common experience. It shows
just how courageous it is to start therapy. Let’s explore why these feelings are so typical and
what you can do to handle them.
Why the jitters?
Several factors make that first session feel intimidating:
The Unknown: Therapy can feel like stepping into the unknown world where you have no idea
what will happen and what the other person will ask . How should you answer that uncertainty
makes you anxious?
Vulnerability: Opening up about your thoughts, struggles, and feelings can feel very vulnerable.
It seems like you’re taking a risk to share your secrets with a stranger.
Fear of Judgment: We often worry that we’re “broken” or “not good enough.” Sharing these fears
with someone else can make us anxious about being judged or criticized.
Performance Pressure: You might feel a pressure to “perform,” to express your problems
perfectly. How should I express my feelings? I’ll have to explain everything perfectly .
What to expect (and how to cope with the jitters:
The good news is your first session is designed to help you ease into the process not to uncover
your secrets or feel ashamed . Therapists only want to know about your problem. Tell yourself
it’s okay to feel anxious. You’re being brave. Practicing self-compassion is essential. Remind
yourself of your reasons for seeking therapy. What do you hope to achieve? Keeping these goals
in mind can motivate you.
There is no right or wrong way to express yourself. Your therapist isn’t expecting a perfect story.
They’re there to listen and understand. Your conversations are confidential, with a few legal
exceptions that your therapist will explain. This is a safe space for you. Remember, therapy is a
process, and it takes time to understand your current concerns, background, and hopes. This is an
information-gathering stage for both of you.
Your first therapy session is a significant step on your path to well-being. Those jitters show
you’re moving out of your comfort zone, and that’s where growth occurs. So, take a deep breath.
Remember you’re not alone in these feelings, and know that you’re taking a positive step for
yourself. You’ve got this.
