--- title: "What to Expect in Your First Therapy Session | Sharon Meyers, LCSW" description: "What actually happens in a first therapy session — the free consultation, the first full session, and what you do and do not need to prepare. 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Book your free consultation today → ](/work-with-me) [![Sharon Meyers Therapy logo](/assets/logo-sanddollar-B1yhAvCA.png)Sharon Meyers Therapy LCSW #106887 ](/) [Home](/)[About](/about) Specialties [FAQ](/faq)[Blog](/blog)[Contact](/begin-here) ![What to Expect in Your First Session](/assets/hero-adoption-MSVO2XHM.jpg) Guide # What to Expect in Your First Session Starting therapy is a strange errand. You are agreeing to tell a stranger the things you have told almost no one, and it is completely normal to feel unsure how to do that. Here is what the beginning actually looks like, so at least the logistics are not a mystery. ## First, the Consultation Before any full session, we start with a free 15-minute consultation. This is a short video call where you can tell me a little about what is bringing you in, ask whatever questions you have, and get a sense of whether we are a good fit. There is no commitment attached to it, and no wrong way to do it. If it feels right to both of us, we schedule a first full session from there. If it does not, that is useful information too, and I will say so honestly. ## The First Full Session Full sessions are 50 to 60 minutes, held online, so you can be wherever in California is private and comfortable for you. In the first session I will ask about what is happening now, a bit of your history, and what you are hoping might be different. We go at your pace. You will not be pressed to open doors before you are ready to open them. My availability is Monday through Thursday, 9am to 6pm, with Fridays reserved for consultations, training and administrative work. ## You Do Not Have to Arrive Organized People often worry they need a tidy summary of their problems, or the right vocabulary, or a clear goal. You do not. Arriving tangled, unsure, or unable to explain it yet is a perfectly good beginning — it is honestly the most common one. Helping you find the words is part of my job, not a prerequisite. All you need is a private space, a device with a camera, and whatever is actually true for you that day. ## Related Reading - [How to Choose a Therapist Read more → ](/guides/how-to-choose-a-therapist) - [Does Online Therapy Work? Read more → ](/guides/does-online-therapy-work) - [How Often Should I Come? Read more → ](/guides/how-often-should-i-go-to-therapy) Sharon Meyers is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker offering telehealth sessions to adults located anywhere in California. In Case of Emergency This website is for informational purposes only. This practice is not a crisis service. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please do not wait for a reply. - Call [911](tel:911) or go to your nearest emergency room if you are in immediate danger. - Call or text [988](tel:988) to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. - Text HOME to [741741](sms:741741) to reach the Crisis Text Line. ## The first step is smaller than it looks. Reach out for a free 15-minute consultation and we can begin. [Schedule a Free Consultation](/begin-here) ### Sharon Meyers Therapy LCSW #106887 Online therapy throughout California Office located in Berkeley, CA Quick Links - [Home](/) - [About](/about) - [Specialties](/specialties) - [FAQ](/faq) - [Blog](/blog) - [Contact](/begin-here) - [Therapy For](/therapy-for) - [Online Therapy](/online-therapy) - [Guides](/guides) Contact - [(415) 335-7446](tel:4153357446) - [sharon@sharonmeyerstherapy.com](mailto:sharon@sharonmeyerstherapy.com) [Psychology Today](https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/sharon-meyers-berkeley-ca/1080260) **In case of emergency:** call or text [988](tel:988) or go to your nearest emergency room. This website is for informational purposes only. [Privacy Policy](/privacy)· [Good Faith Estimate](/good-faith-estimate)· [Notice to Clients](/notice-to-clients) © 2026 Sharon Meyers Therapy · LCSW #106887