Ten Tips for Orienting New Clients to Therapy: What Therapists Should Cover in the First Few Sessions

When a new client starts therapy, those initial sessions are key to setting the stage for a successful therapeutic journey. The first few meetings aren’t just about gathering information—they’re about helping clients understand what to expect, how the process works, and what they can do to get the most out of their time with you. These conversations will go a long way towards retaining clients. Here are some essential points to communicate during those early sessions to orient your clients and set them up for success.

1. Emphasize the Importance of Consistency

In the first session, make sure clients understand why regular, consistent sessions are crucial—especially in the beginning. Weekly sessions allow you to build rapport, maintain momentum, and make steady progress. While some clients may want to space out sessions due to time or budget constraints, explaining the benefits of a consistent schedule early on can help them see the value in committing to this frequency.

2. Set Expectations Around Duration

Therapy isn’t a quick fix, and it's important for clients to know that lasting change takes time. Explain that, while some may experience benefits early on, real, sustainable progress usually requires at least 8-12 sessions. This helps manage expectations and keeps clients engaged during those early weeks when progress might feel slow. Reinforcing this concept early on ensures that they’re not expecting change to happen overnight and that they are willing to commit to the number of sessions needed to achieve their goals.

3. Define Clear Treatment Goals Together

A critical part of those early sessions is developing clear treatment goals. After the intake session, take time to collaborate with the client on defining these goals. This helps ensure you’re both aligned and gives clients a tangible understanding of what they’re working toward. It also builds their confidence in your understanding of their needs and in your ability to guide them through the process.

4. Create a Safe Space for Honest Communication

Let clients know that therapy is a space where they can be open about what’s working and what isn’t. From the outset, invite them to share any concerns or feedback, and reassure them that their input is valuable. Consider asking clients about their previous experiences in therapy—what they liked, what they found challenging, and how they handled termination with their last therapist. This discussion not only offers insight into their preferences but also sets a foundation for a collaborative, trusting relationship.

5. Encourage Reflection Between Sessions

Some clients might benefit from jotting down thoughts or reactions between sessions. Encourage them to reflect on what came up during a session and bring those reflections back to your next meeting. This not only gives them more ownership over their therapeutic journey but also provides you with valuable insight into what resonates with them outside of sessions.

6. Normalize the Process and Challenges of Therapy

In the first few sessions, it’s important to let clients know that progress in therapy is not always linear. Normalize the fact that they may experience ups and downs, and that it’s okay if some sessions feel harder than others. Setting this expectation helps clients be patient with the process and stay engaged, even when it feels difficult.

7. Explain the Role of "Homework" and Action Items

If you plan to give clients activities or exercises to work on between sessions, use those first meetings to explain how these action items support the work you're doing together. Reinforce that these exercises are meant to extend the benefits of therapy beyond the office and help clients apply insights to their everyday lives. Clients who understand the purpose behind these tasks are more likely to engage with them and see better results.

8. Help Clients Prepare for Sessions

Some clients worry about not knowing what to talk about during a session. Let them know that it’s okay to come with specific topics or questions. Encourage them to think about patterns they’ve noticed, experiences they want to unpack, or challenges they’re currently facing. By offering this guidance, you can help them feel more in control and engaged in the process.

9. Commitment and Cancellations: Setting the Tone for Success

An essential part of the therapy process is consistency– which includes honoring scheduled sessions. Life is busy, and it’s natural for other things to come up, but prioritizing therapy sessions can make a significant difference in a client’s progress. It’s important to communicate to clients early on that sticking to their schedule—even when other responsibilities or invitations arise—will have a significant impact on the outcomes they experience. PracticeVital enables you to track cancellations and communicate patterns early on, giving you the chance to have proactive discussions about commitment and its impact on treatment outcomes. By making therapy a priority, clients give themselves the space to grow, and the consistency helps to build momentum and trust. 

10. Be Transparent About the Therapy Process

Lastly, it’s important to take some time to demystify the therapy process. Explain your approach, how sessions are structured, and what clients can expect as they continue. When clients understand how therapy works, they’re more likely to feel comfortable, engaged, and motivated to put in the work needed to reach their goals.

By focusing on these points during your initial sessions, you’ll not only set the stage for a productive therapeutic relationship but also empower your clients to engage fully in the process. These conversations help create clarity, build trust, and ensure that both you and your clients are on the same page, paving the way for client retention, meaningful progress, and positive outcomes.