First therapy session: how open should I be?

[kahvebitmeden]

I just started therapy, and my first session was a bit difficult. When the therapist asks something, I’m not sure if I should be completely open and honest. Especially with questions about my relationship, how much detail should I go into so that they understand me correctly but don’t judge me harshly? I’m afraid of saying the wrong thing. What was your experience like for your first session?

[soncaykaldi (Son Çay Kaldı)]

I felt the same way when I first started. I was pretty apprehensive because discussing my love life felt weird to me. But I realized that unless I spoke openly, the therapist couldn’t make an accurate analysis after a while.

[biseydiycem]

I started therapy last year, and in the first meeting, the therapist directly asked something like “describe yourself.” To avoid overthinking, I explained myself as I am, but I hadn’t shared any personal details. Later I realized that if you’re not clear, it doesn’t work.

[kirmizikazak]

But I’m still not very clear. Therapy is supposed to happen in a safe space, okay, but some things have their own privacy. What will change if you recount the details of your relationship from start to finish? Not every detail should be shared, after all.

[aklimkaldi]

I studied psychology; when you feel judgment in therapy, don’t hesitate to bring it up, talk about it directly with your therapist. So even saying “I’m afraid of being judged” can actually be part of the therapy. Be open, but only as comfortable as you feel.

[kahvebitmeden]

Let me add this: Actually, the therapist seems like a really good person, but I got stuck especially on the question “how at peace are you with yourself?” Now I’m thinking, maybe instead of answering, I should have just said what I felt?

[cokdaseyapma]

I find it interesting that the therapist asks such deep questions so quickly. After all, it’s only the first session. Instead of directly asking, ‘Are you at peace with yourself?’, they could have gotten to know you first. Maybe they’re using a method that’s a bit too ambitious?

[fazlakurcalama]

I only opened up in the second session as well. I was especially shy when it came to relationship topics, but I made a mistake because the therapist interprets everything you say or don’t say. So when you provide incomplete information, you’re misleading them.

[benbisorayim]

But I have one more thing to say: When the therapist asked that question, ‘Are you at peace with yourself?’, just because you felt empty doesn’t mean it has to be a bad feeling. Maybe if you had explored that further, something deeper could have emerged.