Stepping into your first session with a psychologist can feel like a big leap—but knowing what to expect can help ease nerves and build confidence. If you’re seeking mental health support in Melbourne’s bayside area, seeing a psychologist in Mordialloc or even a local Braeside psychologist provides accessible and trustworthy care. Here’s a complete guide to what typically happens in that first appointment.
1. Before You Arrive: Forms & Preparation
Most practices will ask you to complete intake paperwork, either before the session or upon arrival. This usually includes:
- Personal details (name, contact, date of birth)
- Consent forms outlining confidentiality, fees, and cancellation policy
- Basic mental health questionnaires or screening tools
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Tip: Reflect ahead of time on why you’ve sought support and any goals you may have—mental clarity can help guide the conversation.
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2. Welcoming & Orientation
When your psychologist in Mordialloc (or Braeside psychologist) welcomes you, they’ll help you feel comfortable, explain the session format, and review logistics such as scheduling, billing, and confidentiality.
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They’ll explain:
- Limits of confidentiality (important exceptions like harm, court orders)
- Your rights as a client
- What PBS/Better Access Medicare rebates might cover, if applicable
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3. Information Gathering & History Collection
This intake phase is crucial. Your psychologist will ask about:
- What prompted you to seek help now
- Your family, personal, medical, and mental health history
- Any previous treatment or diagnoses
- Current functioning—how symptoms affect your life
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Some clinicians may introduce brief questionnaires or standardized screening tools tailored to anxiety, depression, trauma, or other typical patterns.
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4. Building Rapport: The Heart of Therapy
Research shows the therapeutic relationship is one of the strongest predictors of positive outcomes. In your first session, expect your psychologist to:
- Use active listening and empathy
- Validate your experience without judgment
- Respect your pace—giving room if a topic feels overwhelming
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Your comfort matters: if something doesn’t feel right, it’s perfectly acceptable to share that or consider another therapist.
5. Exploring Goals & Therapy Style
After reviewing your history, you’ll discuss what you hope to get out of therapy—whether it’s symptom relief, insight, or personal growth.
Your psychologist might explain their preferred modalities—such as:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- EMDR (for trauma)
- Psychodynamic or interpersonal approaches
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This is also a chance to ask questions: How long is treatment likely to take? Will homework be part of the process?
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6. Logistics & Next Steps
Towards the latter part of the session, practical matters are usually clarified:
- Typical session length (usually ~50–60 minutes, often weekly)
- Fee structure, insurance or Medicare rebates (e.g., Better Access scheme)
Wikipedia - Cancellation policy and rebooking protocol
Some therapists may offer a tentative treatment timeline or outline of structure (e.g., number of sessions or follow-up frequency).
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7. What Usually Doesn’t Happen in the First Session
- In-depth therapy work or processing: Most psychologists view the first session as foundational rather than intensive treatment.
Pivot Counseling+3Dr Kristen Lovric+3Australian Psychological Society+3 - Rapid solutioning: Therapy is a process—it’s normal not to feel immediate change.
- Pressure to disclose everything: You’re in control of how much you share.
8. Emotional Aftercare & Reflection
Many clients report feeling emotionally tired or reflective after their first session. That vulnerability is part of opening up to change.
Consider:
- Taking a break before scheduling commitments
- Journaling or noting thoughts that arise
- Bringing up feedback or concerns next session if something didn’t sit right
9. Assessing Fit and Comfort
Therapy works best when you feel heard and safe. After your first session, ask yourself:
- Did I feel respected and listened to?
- Is their therapeutic style aligned with my needs?
- Do they have relevant experience with my concerns?
- Would I feel comfortable returning?
If it doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to explore a different psychotherapist in Mordialloc or approach a Braeside psychologist instead—choice matters.
“Be picky… you never need to feel stuck.”
10. Local Access & Practical Considerations
In Mordialloc and nearby Braeside:
- Clinics offer both in‑person and telehealth sessions under the Better Access Scheme
- Public transport access (train, buses) means most local clinics are easy to reach
- Braeside offers a quieter option without compromising professional standards
Medicare can subsidize up to 10 sessions per year via a GP’s Mental Health Treatment Plan. Many psychologists offer direct billing or sliding-scale fees.
