Seeing your first client as a student therapist is one of those moments that you’ll never forget. It’s exciting, nerve-wracking, and a little surreal all at once. You’ve spent months, maybe years, learning the theory, practicing techniques in role-plays, and writing papers on therapeutic approaches. But now, it’s real. You’re about to sit across from a person who’s coming to you for help, and let’s be honest, that can feel like a lot of pressure. But here’s the thing: it’s completely normal to feel nervous, and, spoiler alert, every therapist—yes, even the seasoned ones—was once in your shoes.
So how do you prep for that big moment without letting the nerves take over? First off, breathe. Seriously, take a deep breath. You’ve got this. Remember that you’re not expected to know everything, and your first client doesn’t expect you to either. They’ve likely been informed that you’re a student therapist, and most clients are actually really open to working with someone who’s still learning because they know you’ll be giving them your full attention. The first step is accepting that it’s okay to feel unsure. It’s part of the process, and as long as you’re committed to being present and learning, you’ll do great.
One of the best ways to prepare is to remind yourself of the basics. Sure, you’ve learned all kinds of therapeutic models and techniques, but when it comes down to that first session, just focus on building rapport. Your job is to create a safe and comfortable space for the client to open up. If you’re feeling the pressure to get everything “right” or follow a specific model perfectly, try to let go of that for now. Instead, think about how you can connect with the client in a genuine way. Be curious, be empathetic, and most importantly, be yourself. The relationship is what matters most at this stage.
That being said, it can help to have a general framework in mind. Maybe you’ve learned how to structure a first session—taking a history, explaining confidentiality, or setting goals. These are good to keep in your back pocket, but don’t stress if things don’t go exactly as planned. Clients are people, not textbooks, and sometimes the session will take a direction you didn’t expect. Go with the flow, stay present, and trust that you can return to your structure when it feels right.
A key piece of advice: don’t try to fix everything right away. This is a common mistake, especially when you’re new to therapy and eager to help. It’s tempting to jump in with solutions or interpretations, but sometimes the most important thing you can do is listen. Resist the urge to fill the silence with advice. Often, just being there and showing the client that you’re really hearing them is more impactful than anything else you could say. Therapy is a process, and your client likely isn’t expecting you to have all the answers in the first session (or ever, really). They just want to know that you’re present, engaged, and willing to walk alongside them in their journey.
On that note, don’t be afraid of silence. It can feel awkward at first, but sometimes silence is exactly what the client needs to gather their thoughts or process what’s been said. It’s easy to feel like you need to fill every pause with words, especially when you’re nervous, but some of the most powerful moments in therapy happen in those quiet spaces. Give the client room to think, and give yourself permission to sit with the discomfort of not always knowing what to say next. You’ll get more comfortable with it over time.
Now, let’s talk about what not to do. Don’t overprepare to the point that you psych yourself out. Yes, it’s good to review your notes, but if you try to memorize every possible intervention or worry too much about sticking to a script, you’ll miss the chance to really connect with your client. Therapy is an organic process, and while preparation is important, so is flexibility. Trust that you’ve already done the hard work of getting to this point, and allow yourself to be present in the moment.
Another thing to avoid is putting too much pressure on yourself to get it “right.” You’re going to make mistakes—that’s just part of being a therapist, and it’s certainly part of being a student. What’s important is how you handle those moments. If you say something that doesn’t land or you realize later that you missed something, don’t beat yourself up. You’ll learn from it, and your supervisor is there to help you reflect and grow. That’s the beauty of supervision—it’s a safety net, a place where you can bring your doubts, your questions, and even your mistakes, and use them as learning opportunities.
Also, don’t underestimate the importance of self-care. Your first session is going to be emotionally taxing, and that’s okay. It’s totally normal to feel drained afterward, even if it goes well. Make sure you have something lined up afterward that helps you decompress, whether it’s talking to a fellow student therapist, taking a walk, or just giving yourself some quiet time. Therapy is about caring for others, but you’ve got to care for yourself too.
Finally, remember that it’s okay to be human. Sometimes we put therapists on a pedestal, expecting ourselves to be perfect beacons of wisdom and calm. But guess what? Clients don’t need you to be perfect—they just need you to be present, compassionate, and willing to learn with them. The fact that you’re nervous means you care, and that’s a great start. So go into that first session with an open mind, an open heart, and a little bit of kindness toward yourself. You’ve made it this far, and your journey as a therapist is just beginning.