What to Expect in Your First OCD Therapy Session
If you’re thinking about starting OCD therapy, you might be wondering what happens in that first appointment? Maybe there are intrusive thoughts you’ve never told anyone, and you’re nervous about how I’ll react. Because I specialize in OCD, I’ve heard a wide range of thoughts and fears. There’s nothing you need to worry about saying that will surprise me. We can still take it slowly, though. We’ve only just met, and opening up to someone new can be hard—even when that person is a therapist.
First, we’ll get to know each other
Your first session is a chance for us to get to know each other. I’ll introduce myself, tell you a little about how I work, and give you an idea of what we’ll talk about in this first session.
I take a holistic approach, which means I want to understand your life as a whole, not just your OCD symptoms. What do you like to do? What does life look like lately? What’s important to you? Learning about these parts of your life helps me understand what OCD may be interrupting and what you’d like to get back to.
We’ll talk about what brought you in
I’ll ask what you’ve been experiencing, how you’ve been trying to handle it, and where OCD seems to show up in your day. Maybe it’s affecting your relationships, making work or school harder, or taking up far more time than you’d like. There’s no perfect way to explain any of this. We’ll piece it together as we go.
I’ll also explain a little about how OCD works. We might talk about the OCD Cycle, how an intrusive thought can lead to anxiety, and how things like checking, seeking reassurance, avoiding situations, or mentally reviewing can bring short-term relief while keeping the cycle going. You don’t need to know any of these terms before you come in. We’ll use what you share to start making sense of your own experience.
If OCD seems to be part of what’s going on, I may give you an assessment to complete at home before our next session. It helps us get a fuller picture of your symptoms and how they’re affecting you. We’ll look at it together when we meet again.
You can ask questions, too
Questions are always welcome. Please feel free to ask them at any point during our session. I’ll also pause to check in, see how you’re doing, and make sure we’re covering what matters to you. We’ll talk through a lot in our first session, and I want you to feel comfortable asking about anything that’s on your mind.
My hope is that you leave feeling some relief from sharing what you’ve been experiencing, with answers to some of your questions, a clearer idea of what therapy together could look like, and hope that things can get better.
Looking for OCD Therapy in Orlando?
If you’re looking for OCD therapy in Orlando, I offer in-person sessions in Baldwin Park and virtual sessions throughout Florida. You’re welcome to reach out with questions or schedule a consultation to see whether working together feels like a good fit.
Disclaimer
This blog is intended for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health care, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms of OCD or believe you may have OCD, it is recommended that you seek support from a qualified mental health professional, ideally one with specialized training in OCD and evidence-based treatments. The information shared here is meant to increase understanding and awareness, not to replace individualized therapy or clinical recommendations.
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