What to Expect in Your First Therapy Session

Starting therapy is a meaningful step, and it is normal to have questions about what the process actually looks like. Here is a clear picture of what happens when you begin working with MindWell Psychology.

Before Your First Session

Once you reach out, you will have a brief initial conversation with Dr. Freier to make sure the fit is right. This is not a sales call. It is a chance for you to ask questions, describe what you are experiencing, and get a sense of whether this approach feels like the right match. If it is not, Dr. Freier will point you toward someone who may be a better fit.

If you decide to move forward, you will receive intake paperwork to complete before your first session. This gives Dr. Freier context about your history, current concerns, and goals so that your first meeting can be focused and productive rather than spent filling out forms.

Your First Session

The first session is a comprehensive assessment. Dr. Freier will ask about what brought you to therapy, your personal and family history, and the patterns that feel most stuck or distressing. This is collaborative, not clinical in a cold sense. You will be an active participant, and nothing is off limits in terms of questions you can ask in return.

By the end of the first session, you will have a clear understanding of what Dr. Freier sees, an initial framework for understanding your experience, and a sense of what treatment will look like going forward.

What Therapy Looks Like Over Time

MindWell Psychology is not open-ended talk therapy without direction. Sessions are structured, with clear goals and measurable progress markers. Most clients begin weekly and adjust frequency as they build momentum. Treatment typically draws from CBT, ACT, and Emotionally Focused approaches, tailored to your specific situation and how your brain processes stress and emotion.

You should expect to do work between sessions. This might include reflective exercises, tracking patterns, or practicing new skills. The real change happens in your daily life, and sessions are where you refine and deepen that work.

Common Questions

How long does therapy take?

There is no fixed timeline. Some clients see significant shifts in 8 to 12 sessions. Others choose to work at greater depth over several months. Dr. Freier will give you an honest estimate based on your goals and will never keep you in therapy longer than necessary.

What if I am not sure therapy is right for me?

That uncertainty is completely normal and does not mean you should wait. Most people who benefit from therapy were not sure at first. Reaching out is not a commitment to long-term treatment. It is a chance to explore whether this particular approach resonates with where you are right now.

Is everything I say confidential?

Yes. MindWell Psychology is a private-pay practice, which means no insurance company has access to your records, diagnoses, or session notes. What you share in therapy stays between you and Dr. Freier, with very limited exceptions required by law that will be explained during your intake.

Do you offer in-person and online sessions?

Yes. MindWell offers both in-person sessions at the Providence, RI office and secure telehealth sessions for anyone located in Rhode Island. Many clients alternate between the two based on their schedule.

Ready to Begin?

If you have been considering therapy, the hardest part is usually making the first call. Contact MindWell Psychology to schedule a brief introductory conversation. There is no obligation, and you will know quickly whether this is the right fit.