What to Expect at Your First Family Therapy Session

What to Expect at Your First Family Therapy Session

This article has been researched and written by Nayla Daou. AI has not been used in producing this article.

Are you feeling a bit nervous about your first family therapy session? It’s very common to feel a bit apprehensive before starting any type of therapy. Therapy involves sharing personal information and intimate details about your life. It’s only natural that this vulnerability can leave you feeling apprehensive about your first session.

Here’s what you can expect at your first family therapy session.

What to Expect – The Basics of Family Therapy

When a member of the family is struggling, it tends to impact the entire family. Family therapy is a form of counseling in which a group attends sessions together in order to address specific concerns that impact the psychological health of the entire family. 

During your family therapy sessions, you may address specific issues, such as a conflict between children and parents, the impact of a recent death or loss in the family, financial or marital problems, or the impact of a mental illness or substance abuse on the entire family. Sessions typically last about 50 minutes to an hour, once or twice a week. However, your treatment plan will depend on your family’s specific needs. 

  • During family therapy, you can:
    • Discuss and examine your family’s ability to resolve conflicts
    • Discuss and examine your family’s ability to communicate (such as their ability to express emotions and thoughts in a positive and healthy manner)
    • Examine family rules, roles, and behavior patterns to pinpoint issues that contribute to conflict (as well as ways to work through these issues)
    • Identify your family’s strengths and weaknesses 
    • And much more
  • Paperwork and Family History

When you first arrive at your family therapy session, it will feel similar to a regular medical appointment. You’ll be asked to sign in, sit in a waiting room, and wait for someone to call your name for your appointment. While you are waiting, you may be asked to fill out paperwork, to include:

    • Medical history for all participants (including current medications)
    • A questionnaire about your symptoms 
    • Insurance forms
    • Medical consent forms
    • Therapist-patient agreements
    • Record release forms

If you feel uncomfortable answering any question on paper, you may wait to answer verbally during your session. Depending on the requirements of your therapist, you may have the option to complete this paperwork at home before your first visit.

Your First Family Therapy Session

Your first family therapy session will be slightly different from your future visits. This initial session is designed to help your family become acquainted with your therapist, their process, and to gain an understanding of how to proceed. 

During this first session, your therapist may ask you questions to gain a better understanding of your needs. For example, what brought you to therapy? What are your symptoms? What are you concerned about in your life? Additionally, they may ask you questions about each family member’s history, including childhood, education, relationships (family, friends, marriage problems), medical history, etc. 

By the end of your first session, you and your therapist will come to an agreement about the length of your treatment, methods to be applied, as well as the ins-and-outs of patient confidentiality. Please keep in mind that psychotherapy typically requires multiple visits. You should not expect an instant solution to your concerns during the first visit. Future visits will be more therapeutic in nature. For example, in your subsequent sessions, you may explore a specific symptom, concern, or past trauma mentioned during your first session.

At ClearMinds, we believe that with the right support, we all have the potential to live happy and fulfilling lives. Our family psychology practice in Dubai is dedicated to helping clients and families achieve their collective mental health goals. 

Contact a member of our team to learn more about how family therapy can help you and your loved ones. If you and your significant other could benefit from couples therapy, we are here to help also.

Nayla Daou
Clinical Psychologist

Dr. Nayla Daou works with children, teens, and young adults experiencing a wide range of behavioral and emotional difficulties.

How Psychoeducational Assessments Help Shape Better Learning Plans in School

How Psychoeducational Assessments Help Shape Better Learning Plans in School

By Sara Caroppo | May 20, 2025

No two children are the same. Every child brings a unique mix of strengths, challenges, and ways of …

Can Relationship Counseling Work for Toxic Relationships

Can Relationship Counseling Work for Toxic Relationships?

By Nardus Saayman | March 25, 2025

Relationships can be complicated, emotional, and at times, painful. While every couple experiences ups and downs, some relationships …

10 Signs You May Have Anxiety

10 Signs You May Have Anxiety

By Nayla Daou | February 21, 2025

Anxiety is a normal and natural human response to stress, danger, or uncertainty. However, when anxiety becomes excessive, it can …

Child Sleepwalking and Talking

Child Sleepwalking and Talking: What You Need to Know

By Nayla Daou | January 27, 2025

Childhood is a time of rapid development, filled with new experiences—and sometimes, surprising nighttime behaviors.

Questions a Child Psychologist Might Ask

Questions a Child Psychologist Might Ask

By Nayla Daou | November 26, 2024

When preparing for your child’s first appointment with a psychologist, it’s natural to feel curious—or even a little anxious—about what …

Love Questions for Couples to Deepen Your Relationship

55 Love Questions for Couples to Deepen Your Relationship

By Nardus Saayman | September 23, 2024

In any relationship, communication is key. Whether you’re just starting out or have been together for years, asking meaningful

Stress vs. Anxiety vs. Burnout

Stress vs. Anxiety vs. Burnout: How to Recognize the Difference

By Nayla Daou | July 17, 2024

In today’s fast-paced world, understanding the differences between stress, anxiety, and burnout is crucial for …

Relocation Depression Definition and Ways to Cope

Relocation Depression: Definition and Ways to Cope

By Nayla Daou | June 3, 2024

Relocation depression, also known as moving depression, is a form of situational depression that arises from the stress …

How to Help Your Child with Anxiety Through Divorce

How to Help Your Child with Anxiety Through Divorce

By Nayla Daou | March 25, 2024

Divorce is a significant change that affects every member of a family. For children, the uncertainty and adjustments …

Depression vs Sadness Understanding the Difference

Depression vs Sadness: Understanding the Difference

By Nayla Daou | March 10, 2024

While often used interchangeably, the terms “sadness” and “depression” represent distinct emotional states, each with …