How to prepare for your first session with a psychologist.
Stepping gently into the in-between — a guide to beginning therapy with care and intention
Beginning therapy is a meaningful step — an act of courage, curiosity, and care. At Liminal Clinic, we understand that a first session can feel unfamiliar or uncertain. It’s often the moment between what has been and what’s ahead — the liminal space where real change begins.
We take things slowly here. Your first few sessions aren’t about rushing to solutions; they’re about building connection, understanding your story, and creating a foundation for long-term, sustainable growth.
Quick checklist (TL;DR)
Bring: a short list of topics, any fidgets/sensory items, water, and (if online) headphones + notepad.
Know: session is 50 minutes; first 3–4 sessions focus on relationship‑building and planning.
Review: our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.
Payment: usually taken at booking; otherwise we’ll send a secure link on the day.
Changes: please give 48 hours’ notice to reschedule.
Support person: welcome — let us know in advance so we can adapt the room.
Our pace and what the first 3–4 sessions are for
We’re a medium‑ to long‑term therapy clinic. Early sessions are for depth, not speed. Together, we will:
map what’s brought you to therapy and what you hope will change;
clarify initial goals and preferences (insight‑focused, skills‑focused, or a blend);
cover essentials: confidentiality, privacy, consent, session fees, and clinic processes
discuss what the treatment journey might look like and introduce our flexible five‑phase approach so you know the broad arc of care.
what barriers to treatment are and how we can reduce the risk of them
discuss how we’d like therapy to end when it does - so we can plan for it rather than just dropping out or ghosting
We don’t hand out band‑aids. We build understanding and change that lasts.
Meet your psychologist
Therapy is relational. In your first session, your psychologist will briefly share their background, interests, and how they work (e.g., CBT, ACT, Schema, EMDR/EMDR 2.0, relational/insight). We’ll also:
pick up any threads from your Getting To Know You questionnaire (matching process) and your New Client Intake Form;
invite your questions (e.g., How do you structure sessions? How will we know this is helping?).
The aim is simple: a transparent, collaborative start so the work feels grounded and real.
What actually happens in your first 50 minutes
Arriving & settling (in‑person: check‑in at the building’s tablet; online: quick tech check).
Orientation to confidentiality, boundaries, and how we’ll work together.
Your story now: what feels heavy/important; what you’d like different.
Therapist reflections and a shared next‑step plan.
It’s normal to feel unsure or awkward. Many clients bring a short list to organise their thoughts — we encourage it.
Coming in person (Prahran)
Watch our short location video on the website to acclimate.
Plan parking or public transport ahead.
Check in on the tablet at reception on arrival. (Reception is part of the building, not Liminal Clinic.)
Bathrooms: ask reception to direct you.
Arrive 5–10 minutes early to settle.
Bring what helps: fidgets/sensory tools are welcome.
Support person: you may bring one — please tell us beforehand so we can adapt the room
Attending online (telehealth)
Test equipment (internet, camera, mic) beforehand.
You can attend by any device you have, but you’ll have a better experience on a computer.
Choose a quiet, private space where you won’t be overheard.
Headphones improve sound and privacy.
Keep water + notepad and pen handy.
Bring any grounding/sensory items (weighted blanket, fidgets, etc.).
You’ll receive your Google Meet link in your booking confirmation email and in reminder SMS messages. If you don’t receive these, please send us an SMS or call admin.
Check out this Google Meet Cheat Sheet
After your first appointment
You’ll receive questionnaires via the Liminal Client Portal so we can see the full picture and tailor care:
screening for common concerns (e.g., anxiety, mood, stress);
neurodivergence screening (including ADHD and autism);
trauma‑informed measures.
We are trauma‑informed and neurodivergence‑affirming — the aim is holistic care, not quick fixes.
Practicalities
Session length: 50 minutes.
Rescheduling: please give 48 hours’ notice (short‑notice cancellation policy).
Payment: usually at booking; if not, we send a secure link on the day.
Policies: please review our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy ahead of time.
After‑session care
Expect to feel reflective, tender, tired, or relieved — all normal. Give yourself a transition (a short walk, a warm drink, a few notes). Therapy often continues unfolding between sessions as you notice patterns and try small changes.
Sessions are for treatment. Admin can help you with anything that’s not therapy related.
If you need support between sessions, we encourage you to reach out to helplines or other supports if you need them.
