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A first psychotherapy session is about locating a starting point. This guide outlines usual topics, useful questions about goals and confidentiality, and simple preparation.

Plenty of people delay contacting a psychotherapist because they believe they must first be able to narrate their entire history neatly. Nobody expects that. An initial session exists to locate somewhere to begin, not to grade how articulately you describe yourself.

Topics a first conversation often covers

Expect to be asked what has become difficult, roughly when it started and what you wish were otherwise. Sleep, close relationships, employment and any previous counselling can round out the picture. Talk-based sessions are offered at the clinic by Dr Christine Shen, Acupuncturist, who is also trained and qualified in psychotherapy; she sees clients at the Lane Cove clinic, where that opening discussion follows your pace rather than a script.

Questions to put to any psychotherapist

• How do we settle on goals?
• When and how do we look back at progress?
• What does confidentiality cover here, and where does it end?
• If my circumstances shift between appointments, what then?

Treat a set number of sessions promised to everybody with some caution. A method's title, likewise, reveals little about whether one particular practitioner will suit you.

Keeping your priorities in the room

Sound psychological support makes room for the things you hope to understand and those that feel stubborn. Asking Christine how the two of you will recognise progress, and how the approach could be adapted, is entirely fair. Where another service would fit your situation better, a careful practitioner says so and helps you consider a referral.

Checking background before you book

Unlike some health professions, psychotherapy sits outside national registration in Australia, so it is wise to ask any practitioner about training and working style beforehand. Jot down one or two matters you most want to raise; a brief note of that kind is plenty to start with. Everything else can unfold once you are in the room and have a feel for how the practitioner listens.