What to expect in your first session.

Reaching out for support can feel like a big step, especially if it's your first time, or your child's first time, meeting a therapist. It's completely normal to feel a mix of nerves, uncertainty, or even relief just from having booked the appointment.

Here's a little about what your first session with Stone & Willow Therapy usually looks like.

A space to be heard, not judged

The first session is mostly about getting to know each other. There's no pressure to have everything figured out or to know exactly what to say. My approach is attachment-informed and trauma-aware, which means the focus is on understanding you, or your family, with compassion, not on rushing toward quick fixes.

Tailored to your family's needs

Every family is different, so sessions might involve working individually with a child or adult, with parents, or together as a family system, depending on what feels most helpful. We'll talk through what's been happening, what's brought you here, and what kind of support might work best moving forward.

No expectations, just a starting point

You don't need to prepare anything in advance. If your child is coming in, it's okay if they're shy, unsure, or don't want to talk much at first, that's a normal part of settling in. The first session is simply a starting point for building trust and understanding, not a test to pass.

A collaborative process

Therapy works best as a partnership. By the end of the first session, we'll usually have a clearer sense of what ongoing support might look like, and you're always welcome to ask questions along the way.

If you're considering reaching out, know that taking that first step is often the hardest part, and it's one worth taking.