How to Start a Therapy Session as a Therapist

The all-important "and this is now the session" line. My therapist always says "So, what's new? What's different?" I didn't even notice this right away...it's a stealth transition and it works perfectly. :)

An interesting watch as a grad student in practicum

For consistent structure, I always open visits with “so I want to follow up on our conversation last time and the ideas we discussed trying between visits, but what do you want to make sure we address?” And for the polite remarks walking back, I typically ask “what have you been up to today” which usually occupies the time well enough, can be interesting/relevant and is different than the bland “how are you”

1. Ask about their comfortability ( temperature or etc) 2. If online , ask if the connections is okay, location etc 3. Ensure Confidentiality 4. Have safety n symptom check in (if feeling suicidal, depression, anxiety etc) 5. Start session : so we can pick up with last time/ do u have any preferences .. / last time we focus on this this 1-2 summary sentences

Helpful to review! Thank you so much, love your energy, simple straight to the point and positive attitude.

I'm watching this as I'm waiting for my online therapy session! I'm in more of "maintenance" mode, but this stuff rings true. It's all about client- centered respect.

Brilliant ! I am just starting my therapeutics counselling journey and can see so much basic respect and courtesy shining through

Great content AND your approach shows what a courteous and professional therapist you are !

Helpful tips, thanks Marie! Great reminder to focus on clients' comfort and feeling of safety from the moment they walk in :)

Great video with practical information. I can make so adjustments to my style. Thanks for what you do!

Whew, I do all of the things you mentioned in this video. I agree, it creates routine and safety for my clients. However, my new office is in a building where I don't get to adjust the thermostat myself and will wait and see if I need to have the building mgr tweak something in the summer. Thanks for sharing!

I like this video! I'm an RD so, I find her videos helpful. I especially appreciate each tip/snip-it was linked in the show notes. Yay!

Great content and detail. And your info applies to consultation work in general, not just therapy!

Good to see the preparation before the session. Thisbis the most important part for me, as I can then pick out about 3 traumatic eventsbor limiting beliefs that the client can choose from. This puts them in control of what to let go of in the session. Preparation aldo grounds me. When I see the client, I am empowered with a plan for the session. Then I can just concentrate on keeping a safe space for them. Maybe I can show this video to my learners 👍

This was a great video! So helpful!

These suggestions are very helpful, especially for a therapist like me who works with quite a few clients who are working to manage heightened anxiety, stress and ADHD.

Thanks so much. This is very helpful for me.

Good topic. I, too, review my notes before the client comes in. Doing that is like gathering and integrating the client's, therapist-client, movement over time. With that info and conceptualisation in my mind, I go the waiting room, invite the client into my office, sit down, and say, "so...what have you been noticing"? Sometimes I say, "what's it been like to be you this past week?". After they answer these open questions and I find out their orientation to self and world, and me, their affect, thinking, appearance, voice, I skillfully lead into the ongoing work, the goals let's say. Exception: urgent, emergent issues, including safety or med management, substances, legal actions.

I love these tips! I sometimes comment on the weather to ease into the session

the sound machine you have going on is soooo fricckin relaxing