Taking the first step toward improving your mental health can be empowering—but it can also feel a bit intimidating. If you’re considering seeing a Braeside psychologist or perhaps a psychologist in Mordialloc, knowing what to expect in your first session can ease any anxiety and help you approach the process with confidence.
Whether you’re seeking help for anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, grief, or simply looking to enhance your emotional resilience, your first psychology appointment is a safe space designed to help you feel heard, supported, and understood. In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know before, during, and after your initial session.
Why People Seek Therapy in Braeside and Mordialloc
Modern life can be fast-paced, overwhelming, and at times emotionally taxing. People seek out psychologists for a wide range of reasons, including:
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Stress and burnout from work or life obligations
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Persistent anxiety or depressive symptoms
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Grief and loss
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Trauma or unresolved emotional pain
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Relationship difficulties
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Life transitions such as parenthood, career changes, or retirement
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Improving self-esteem and building coping strategies
Both Braeside psychologists and psychologists in Mordialloc are trained professionals who use evidence-based therapeutic approaches to help clients manage life’s challenges and achieve greater emotional wellbeing.
Booking Your First Appointment
Booking your first session is easier than ever. Many clinics offer online booking, or you can make a quick phone call. If you have a referral from your GP under a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP), you may be eligible for Medicare rebates in Australia—just bring your referral along.
Some things you might consider when booking:
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Do you prefer a male or female psychologist?
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Would you like in-person or telehealth sessions?
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Are you looking for a specific therapy style (e.g., CBT, ACT, EMDR)?
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What are your goals for therapy?
Being clear about your preferences helps match you with the right Braeside psychologist or psychologist in Mordialloc.
Preparing for Your First Session
You don’t need to do extensive preparation before attending, but reflecting on a few key areas can help you get the most from your session:
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What are the main issues you’re struggling with?
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When did the problems begin?
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How are these issues affecting your daily life?
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What have you tried before to address them?
You may also want to bring:
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Any referral or mental health plan from your GP
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A list of current medications
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Notes or questions you want to ask
Arrive a few minutes early so you can fill out any necessary paperwork and settle in without rushing.
The Structure of Your First Therapy Session
Your first session with a Braeside psychologist will typically last between 50 to 60 minutes. The goal of this session is to establish a foundation for your therapeutic relationship and begin to understand your needs.
1. Introduction and Orientation
At the start, the psychologist will introduce themselves, explain how therapy works, and discuss confidentiality. They will clarify what you can expect from sessions, and how they are bound by ethical and legal responsibilities to protect your privacy—with a few exceptions, such as if there’s a risk of harm to yourself or others.
2. Exploring Your Concerns
This part involves talking about what brought you in. You’ll be invited to share your current difficulties, emotional experiences, and how they’re affecting your personal or professional life.
Topics may include:
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Your emotional and physical health history
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Relationship or family background
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Significant life events or trauma
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Past mental health experiences or treatment
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Coping strategies and triggers
This is your space to speak freely—there are no “wrong” answers or judgments.
3. Setting Goals
Your psychologist in Mordialloc or Braeside will likely ask you what you hope to achieve through therapy. Your goals might be specific (e.g., reduce panic attacks) or general (e.g., feel happier and more in control). Together, you’ll define a set of realistic, achievable objectives to work toward in future sessions.
4. Building Rapport
One of the most important aspects of therapy is the relationship you build with your psychologist. The first session helps establish trust, comfort, and communication. You don’t need to spill everything immediately. Take your time—your psychologist will move at a pace that feels safe for you.
After the Session: What Happens Next?
By the end of your first appointment, your Braeside psychologist will discuss next steps. This may include:
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A brief summary of what you’ve shared
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An outline of the recommended treatment approach (e.g., weekly sessions, CBT, ACT, or other modalities)
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Scheduling future appointments
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Tips or strategies to try before your next session
Some people feel a sense of relief after their first session, while others may feel emotionally drained. Both are completely normal. Therapy can stir up deep emotions—but with time, this process leads to growth and healing.
Common Therapy Modalities Used
Your psychologist may use one or a combination of therapeutic models based on your needs:
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps identify and challenge negative thought patterns
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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Teaches mindfulness and value-based living
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EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing): Often used for trauma
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Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR): Builds awareness and calm
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Schema Therapy: Targets long-standing patterns rooted in childhood
Your psychologist in Mordialloc will explain why a particular method is recommended for you and adapt it over time as needed.
Why Local Access Matters
Seeing a local psychologist—whether in Braeside or nearby Mordialloc—has distinct advantages:
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Convenience and less travel time
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Greater consistency with appointments
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Familiarity with local community stressors and culture
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Easier integration with other health services (GP, physiotherapists, etc.)
This kind of accessible, community-based care allows for a holistic, seamless approach to your mental health.
How Many Sessions Will You Need?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Some people find relief in a few sessions; others benefit from long-term therapy. The frequency and length of your sessions will depend on:
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The nature and complexity of your concerns
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How long you’ve been experiencing them
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Your therapy goals
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Your availability and preferences
Your Braeside psychologist will regularly check in with you to ensure you’re on track and make adjustments as needed.
Final Thoughts: The First Step Is Often the Most Powerful
Beginning therapy can feel daunting, but it’s a courageous and deeply positive choice. Working with a trusted psychologist in Mordialloc or Braeside can empower you to navigate life’s challenges with resilience, clarity, and hope.
Your first session is just the beginning of a process that leads to better self-awareness, improved mental wellbeing, and more satisfying relationships. It’s a safe space to explore, unpack, and grow—at your own pace.
