3 Things to Expect in Your First Session With a Trauma-Informed Queer Therapist
Picture this, you’ve booked a consult call with a new-to-you queer trauma-informed therapist. You’re hoping to learn more about their style and see if you’re a good therapeutic fit. You complete the consult call and schedule your first session. Now what?
If you’ve ever wondered what happens during your first therapy session, you’re not alone! Many folks I talk to during an initial consultation ask this question. My hope in outlining this is to draw back the veil of uncertainty by sharing some tips, insight, and guidance as you prepare for your first therapy session.
Your first session with a trauma-informed Queer Therapist
Therapy, to me, is sacred. It’s also an ethically and legally protected space for clients. First things first, your therapist will discuss confidentiality and any relevant office policies including the one for cancellation. Because therapy is a highly protected space, confidentiality is especially important. Your information is private, your office notes are secured using HIPPA compliant practices, and your therapist is bound by their licenses’ ethical standards. All this is happening behind the scenes to ensure you feel safe to process and discuss without fear that your information will be shared. What this means in a real world sense is that your information can not and will not ever be shared with anyone. You can feel free to share your pronouns, the name you use (especially if it’s different from your government name), and anything about your trauma history - all while knowing that this information is completely private. Phew! This is step one.
Holding Your LGBTQ+ Identities Scared
The remainder of the session (step two) is spent with the therapist learning more about you and what brings you to therapy. You might share details of something specific you’d like to address; a difficult family relationship, any trauma history, your sexuality, or your journey to explore your gender identity. You might also be encouraged to share more about your upbringing – how you were raised, who was in the home with you, and the important things happening in your early life. This helps the therapist get to know you and the patterns you may have inherited from your caregivers, siblings, and peers.
Your therapist will then synthesize all that you shared and the two of you (or more if engaging in family therapy) will co-create a plan of action. This is something we call ‘a treatment plan’. You’ll agree on when and how often to meet, the most important thing to address first, and the type of therapy your therapist recommends.
Creating a Trauma-Informed Space
A final note, you are never *required* to share anything - including your trauma history or your LGBTQ+ identity(ies). If something feels especially challenging, uncomfortable, or sensitive you can always keep it private or just share what I call “the broad brush strokes”. Careful time and attention is taken to create a space that feels safe, affirming, and grounding. You are always in control and our work together will ensure that you’re treated with dignity.
Celebrating your first milestone in therapy
And just like that – your first session is over! As therapy continues, you might have homework (things to work on at home that help you bring therapy lessons into your everyday life). Know that you completed a huge accomplishment which is something worth celebrating.
