What to Expect in Your First Therapy Session
Starting therapy can bring up a mix of emotions hope, curiosity, nervousness, even fear. If you’ve been carrying a lot on your own, taking this step can feel vulnerable. At Simply True You, first session is not about being evaluated, judged, or pushed.
It’s about creating a space where you can begin to feel safe.
We are a trauma-informed therapy practice in Fort Collins, Colorado offering therapy for children, teens, and adults. We proudly accept insurance to make mental health more accessible in Northern Colorado.
Before You Arrive
Once your appointment is scheduled, you’ll receive a few simple forms to complete online. These help us understand some of your background, but they don’t replace the real work which happens through conversation, connection, and listening.
There is no need to prepare anything special. You don’t need to have the “right” words. You don’t need to know where to start.
Just coming as you are is enough.
When You Come In
Your first session is about getting to know each other and beginning to build trust.
Your therapist will gently guide the conversation, asking about what brought you in and what you’ve been experiencing. You can share as much or as little as feels comfortable. You are always in control of how much you share, nothing is forced. Trauma-informed therapy honors your nervous system, your pace, and your boundaries.
This is not a session where you will be asked to relive painful memories or go into details you’re not ready for. Instead, we focus on helping you feel grounded, understood, and supported.
You will receive a True You Journal that can be used to take notes during or in-between sessions and use for reflection.
Talking About What You’re Going Through
Many clients come in feeling:
emotionally overwhelmed
anxious or on edge
stuck in painful patterns
exhausted from holding everything together
unsure how to explain what they’re feeling
Your therapist will listen carefully, reflect back what they hear, and help you make sense of what’s been happening — in a way that feels validating, not clinical.
Together, you’ll start to explore:
what feels most difficult right now
what you want to be different
what you need to feel safer and more supported
Discussing Your Treatment
Near the end of your session, your therapist will talk with you about possible next steps. This might include discussing approaches like EMDR for trauma, ERP for OCD, or other therapeutic tools that fit your needs.
You won’t be pressured into anything. This is a collaborative process. Therapy works best when it feels like something you are choosing not something being done to you.
Using Your Insurance
We work with many insurance plans, and our team is happy to help you understand your benefits. Before or after your first session, we can walk you through coverage, copays, and any questions you may have, so there are no surprises.
After Your First Session
Many people leave their first session feeling a mix of relief and emotional release. It’s normal to feel tired, thoughtful, or lighter. You may find yourself noticing things differently or reflecting on what you talked about. This is all part of the healing process beginning. This is a great time to spend 10 mins reflecting in your True You journal.
You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
Starting therapy is a brave step especially if you’ve been carrying pain, trauma, or anxiety for a long time. At Simply True You, we are here to walk alongside you with care, compassion, and respect.
When you’re ready, we’re here.