Keep in Mind That the Session Is Complete in Itself. It Is Not Necessarily the Prelude to Anything

In the conventional therapy mindset, the first session of therapy is generally regarded as the prelude to further sessions. In a video produced by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, Mish Seabrook informs potential clients about what to expect from their first therapy session (see Appendix 2 for the transcript of this video). She tells them that the first session will: Provide them with the opportunity to find out if the therapist suits them and that the fit between them and the therapist feels right. They should feel free to ask the therapist any questions to help them make this decision. Provide the therapist with the opportunity to see if they have the right skills, expertise and approach that is right for the client. Allow them to understand the contract between them and the client (e.g. cancellations and confidentiality and to ask any questions about this contract). Give them the opportunity to tell the therapist why they have come and what they want to achieve from therapy.