The Connected Therapist | Private Practice, Self-Care, Marketing, Burnout, Counseling, Couples Therapy

17: The First Session: Helping Clients Clarify Their “Why” and Begin Treatment Planning


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In this episode, we dive into the essential elements of a first therapy session—how to build connection, uncover your client’s deeper "why" for seeking therapy, and begin contracting to co-create a strong foundation for working together and treatment planning. Whether you're a new therapist or a seasoned clinician looking to refresh or reflect on your intake process, this conversation offers practical strategies, sample language, and a flexible framework to make your first sessions more intentional and impactful.

What You'll Learn:
  • Why and how the first session sets the tone for the therapeutic relationship

  • How to help clients articulate their deeper hopes or reasons for starting therapy

  • A flexible framework to structure your first session

  • Clinical considerations for meeting clients where they are

     

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        The Connected Therapist | Private Practice, Self-Care, Marketing, Burnout, Counseling, Couples TherapyBy Jen Alley & Gillian Amaro

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