All content for The Connected Therapist | Private Practice, Self-Care, Marketing, Burnout, Counseling, Couples Therapy is the property of Jen Alley & Gillian Amaro and is served directly from their servers
with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
17: The First Session: Helping Clients Clarify Their “Why” and Begin Treatment Planning
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
Our Affiliate:
Simple Practice: Use this link to access an exclusive 30-day free trial PLUS an additional month free when you add a credit card. Access an exclusive 30-day free trial for your network PLUS an additional month free when you add a credit card
Next Steps:
Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss an episode.
Share this episode with a fellow therapist who might need a reminder that they’re not alone.
Leave us a written review wherever you are listening.
Let's Connect:
Our Website: www.theconnectedtherapist.org
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/connected.therapist/
Join the community: The Community + Membership
Get the newsletter
