Almost everyone is nervous before a first session, including people who have done it before. Knowing the shape of the hour takes a surprising amount of pressure off.
What usually happens
- —A short conversation about confidentiality and how sessions work.
- —Broad questions: what brought you in, what's been going on, what you want to be different.
- —Some history — relationships, work, sleep, past support.
- —A rough sense of where to focus next time.
What you don't have to do
You don't have to tell your whole story in one hour, and you don't have to have it organised. "I don't know how to explain this" is a perfectly good opening line. You also don't have to talk about anything before you're ready.
How to tell whether it's working
Not by whether every session feels good. Better markers: you feel heard, you leave with something to think about or try, and over weeks you notice small shifts in how you respond to things. If none of that is happening after a fair stretch, say so out loud — that conversation is part of the work.
Who you'd see
Mental wellness support at Regeneration Medicine of America is provided by Tyler Baso, M.S.C.M.H.C, a registered mental health counselor intern.
This article is general information, not medical advice, and it isn't a substitute for a consultation. If you're in crisis, call or text 988, or call 911.