What to expect from your first session

Starting therapy can be a big step—and it’s completely normal to feel a mix of emotions as your first appointment approaches. At Paisley Psychology, we understand how important it is to feel safe, supported, and comfortable from the moment you walk through the door. Whether you're coming in for yourself or your child, here’s what you can expect on your first visit.

A Warm Welcome

From the outset, we aim to create a space that feels calm, inclusive, and welcoming. When you arrive at the Magnolia Centre, you'll come up the stairs and find a comfortable waiting space. Your psychologist will come and greet you in that space before inviting you into the consultation room.

Before your appointment, we’ll usually send through some forms to complete online. These help us get to know a little more about your needs and how we can best support you. If you haven’t had a chance to complete them, you can arrive a few minutes early to fill them out. We’ll also talk through consent, confidentiality, and answer any practical questions you might have—like rebates, session frequency, or what happens if you need to cancel.

Your First Session

Your first session is all about getting to know each other. We take a gentle, client-led approach, starting with whatever feels most important to you. You won’t be expected to “have it all together” or to share anything before you’re ready.

For children, the first session might include time with both the child and parent or caregiver. This helps us understand what’s been happening from everyone’s perspective and to begin building trust.

Your psychologist may ask some questions about what’s brought you in, your hopes for therapy, and a bit about your background. There’s no pressure—we’ll go at your pace.

Leaving with a Sense of Support

By the end of the session, we’ll start to form a picture of your experience and how we can support you moving forward. This might include outlining some early goals and planning future appointments. You’ll also have a chance to ask any questions or let us know what’s working—or what isn’t. Therapy is most helpful when it’s collaborative, and your feedback is always welcome.

Our aim is for you to leave that first session feeling heard, understood, and hopeful. It’s okay if things still feel a little uncertain—that’s often part of the process. What matters most is that you’ve taken the first step.

If you have any questions before your first appointment, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to support you every step of the way.