Reaching out for therapy takes courage. Whether you are seeking help for your child, for your family, or for yourself, the decision to ask for support is not a small one. And like most things we do for the first time, it can feel daunting simply because we do not know what to expect. At Caine Therapy & Consulting in Carrboro, NC, we want you to walk through our door feeling informed, prepared, and as comfortable as possible. Here is exactly what to expect in your first therapy session with us.
Before Your First Session
Once you reach out through our website or by phone, we will set up a brief consultation to learn a little about what brings you in, answer any questions you have, and make sure we are a good fit for your needs. This is also the time to verify your insurance coverage, discuss fees, and handle any intake paperwork.
Before your first in-person session at our Carrboro office, you will receive some intake forms to complete. These ask about your child’s history, current concerns, and relevant background. Completing them thoughtfully, and including anything that feels important even if you are not sure it is relevant, helps us make the most of our first session together. You can learn more about preparing for therapy at the American Psychological Association.
What the First Session Is and Is Not
It is important to set realistic expectations about what a first session will look like. The first session is not a crisis intervention. It is not where the deep processing work happens. And it is not a test that your child or your family needs to pass.
The first session is a getting-to-know-you conversation. It is where we begin to build trust, understand your situation, and lay the foundation for the work ahead. Think of it less like the first chapter of a book and more like the prologue — the context that makes everything else make sense.
For Parents Bringing a Child to Therapy
When a child is the primary client, the first session often begins with the parent or caregiver, either alone or alongside the child depending on the child’s age and the reason for coming. This gives us a chance to hear your perspective, understand your child’s history and current challenges, and discuss what a successful course of therapy would look like for your family.
If your child is joining us in the first session, I will spend time helping them feel comfortable in the space. I will not push them to talk about anything they are not ready to share. For younger children especially, the first session may look more like exploration and play than serious conversation, and that is exactly as it should be. Children need to feel safe before they can begin to open up.
Some things that are helpful to think about before bringing your child:
- Tell your child they are coming to talk to someone whose job is to help kids with big feelings, not to fix them or because they are in trouble
- Answer their questions honestly and simply, using age-appropriate language
- Avoid over-preparing them with too many details, which can increase anxiety
- Let them know it is okay to feel nervous and that you will be nearby
- Try to keep your own anxiety calm, because children take emotional cues from their caregivers
What I Will Be Doing in the First Session
My primary job in the first session is to listen. Really listen, not just to the words but to the story underneath the words, the feelings that have not been said out loud yet, and the strengths that are already present even in the midst of struggle.
I will ask questions, but not in a clinical or interrogating way. I am genuinely curious about your child, your family, and what has brought you here. I will also share a little about how I work, what our sessions might look like going forward, and what you can expect in terms of timeline and goals.
By the end of the first session, you should have a clearer sense of whether we are a good fit and what a path forward might look like. If I am not the right therapist for your needs, I will tell you honestly and help connect you with someone who is.
Confidentiality and What It Means for Families
One of the questions parents often have is how confidentiality works when their child is in therapy. In general, what a child shares in therapy is confidential, meaning I will not tell parents the specific contents of sessions without the child’s knowledge or consent. This is not because I am keeping secrets from you. It is because children need to know that the therapy room is a safe space where they can be honest without fear of getting in trouble or upsetting a parent.
That said, I always communicate with parents about the general direction of treatment, progress toward goals, and any significant concerns. And there are specific circumstances, such as safety concerns, where confidentiality does not apply. I will walk through all of this with you in our first session so you feel fully informed.
Telehealth and In-Person Options
At Caine Therapy & Consulting, we offer both in-person sessions at our office at 517 S Greensboro Street, Carrboro, NC 27510, and telehealth sessions for clients anywhere in North Carolina. In-person Saturday appointments are available for families who need flexible scheduling. We accept Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC, Aetna including the NC State Health Plan, Trillium, Partners, Carolina Complete Health, and Vaya Health Medicaid. Superbills and cash pay are also available.
Ready to Take the First Step?
The first session is just a conversation. It does not commit you to anything. It is simply an opportunity to meet, to be heard, and to begin to imagine what healing might look like for your child or your family. We would be honored to be part of that.
Contact us today to schedule your first session in Carrboro, NC or via telehealth across North Carolina.