What to Expect From Your First Chilliwack Therapy Session
Ready to book your first therapy session in Chilliwack? Here’s what you need to know to get the most out of clinical counselling.
How do I start therapy for the first time? If you’re already asking yourself this question, have peace of mind that you’ve actually already taken the first step. You might be struggling with overwhelming emotions like anxiety, sadness, or stress that just don’t seem to go away. Maybe you're feeling stuck in unhealthy patterns or facing a challenging life transition—whether it’s a relationship issue, a recent loss, or burnout from work. You might be feeling nervous or unsure about what therapy can actually do to help; questioning how to actually find a therapist in Chilliwack; or wondering if your therapist will even understand what you’re going through.
These feelings are completely normal, and we want you to know that you're not alone in this.
At Vitality Collective, we are here to support you through this journey. That’s why we wanted to take you through a full list of what you can expect from your first therapy session in Chilliwack. Whether you’re dealing with trauma, feeling overwhelmed, or simply need someone to talk to, our goal is to create a safe space where you feel heard, respected, and understood. Your well-being is our top priority, and we are committed to helping you feel prepared and empowered as you take this important step toward healing.
How do I prepare myself for a therapy session?
At Vitality Collective, we know that sometimes the hardest part is simply getting to the door (into the virtual room). So, let’s walk through what happens before you even set foot in our Chilliwack clinical counselling clinic, or book your virtual therapy session with a Chilliwack counsellor.
Forms and Paperwork
To get started, we’ll ask you to fill out our New Client Inquiry Form. This helps us understand your needs, what’s bringing you to therapy, and your preferred therapy method (in-person in Chilliwack or online). If you’re using insurance, we can also assist with any billing questions. Our coordinators are here to guide you through this process and answer any questions you may have.
Matching with the Right Therapist
Finding the right therapist is a personal decision. Whether you have a specific Chilliwack therapist in mind, are drawn to a particular therapy approach, or would like us to match you with the best fit for your needs, Vitality Collective is dedicated to a best-match approach when pairing clients with counsellors.
Getting Comfortable
Whether you’re walking into our Chilliwack therapy office or logging in for a virtual session, we’ll make sure you feel comfortable from the moment you arrive. For your first therapy session, you may want to consider leaving space in your personal agenda immediately after your session in case you need time to process, wearing comfortable clothing and bringing a water bottle or hot tea into your session. If you are joining therapy virtually in Chilliwack, you may want to scout your home for the most comfortable setting and ensure that you’ll have limited distractions for the duration of your session. Our clinical counselling clinic in Chilliwack is designed to be welcoming and calming, and we strive to create a safe place where you feel comfortable speaking your mind.
Your First Session: What to Expect
So, the big moment is here. You’ve arrived (or logged in) for your first therapy session in Chilliwack, and now what? Here’s what to expect from your first Chilliwack therapy session:
Getting to Know Each Other
Your first session with a new counsellor will be dedicated to getting to know one another and setting expectations for future sessions. Don’t expect to leave this session with the answers to your problems, but think of it as setting the foundation for the work to come. We’ll start by introducing ourselves and chatting a little to help you feel more at ease. It’s completely normal to feel a bit nervous or awkward at first, but just know that your Chilliwack therapist is listening without judgment, and there’s no rush.
Confidentiality
One of the first things we’ll discuss is confidentiality. This means that everything you share with your Chilliwack therapist stays private. The only exceptions are if there’s a risk of harm to yourself or others, or if there’s a legal requirement to share information. But other than that, this space is just for you.
What should I say in my first therapy session?
We’ll spend some time talking about your life and what’s brought you to therapy in Chilliwack. This could include your mental health history, relationships, work, family—whatever is important to you. The goal is to understand you better so your therapist can support you in the best way possible. If you are new to therapy and talking about yourself feels like a struggle, do not stress. Our Chilliwack counsellors are there to provide you space to think and provide prompts that will make opening up about yourself a lot easier.
Therapy Expectations
We’ll explain a little about how therapy works and the right cadence for your future sessions. Depending on your needs, we might talk about different approaches (like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or mindfulness techniques). But we’ll also make sure to hear your thoughts and make sure you’re comfortable with how we move forward together. We’re a team, after all.
How You Might Feel During Your First Therapy Session
It’s perfectly okay–and even expected–to feel a mix of emotions in your first session. Here’s what others have often experienced, and it’s all part of the process:
Nervousness: A lot of people feel a little jittery or self-conscious at first, and that’s normal! It’s your first time sharing your thoughts with someone new, and it’s okay to take your time opening up. You don’t need to have it all figured out right away.
Vulnerability: Therapy can be an emotional experience, especially if you’re talking about things that are difficult or personal. You might find yourself feeling vulnerable, and that’s okay too. Your Chilliwack therapist is here to listen and support you, no matter what comes up.
Relief: Many people feel a sense of relief just from being able to talk openly about their struggles with someone who is completely neutral. If you find yourself feeling lighter or more hopeful, that’s a good sign! Sometimes, just putting things into words can make a big difference.
Is it normal to cry in your first therapy session?
It’s not uncommon to cry during the first session. Emotions can surface when you’re talking about challenging experiences or deep feelings. If that happens, we’ll be there to offer support, and you can take your time. There’s no need to hold anything back from your therapist.
After Your Chilliwack Therapy Session: What Happens Next?
Once your therapy session is over, you might feel a little different than when you walked in. That’s because therapy is an emotional process, and it’s normal to need some time to reflect.
Processing the Session: You might leave feeling drained or reflective—that’s normal too. Give yourself space to process everything you talked about with your therapist. Don’t rush it. Some people feel like they need time to think things over, and that’s part of the healing process.
Homework or Reflection: We might suggest doing a little "homework" between sessions—maybe journaling, practicing relaxation exercises, or just thinking about what we discussed. These little tasks can help you build on the work we do together in each session.
Scheduling Your Next Session: Therapy works best when it’s a consistent part of your routine, so if you feel that your therapist is a good match, schedule your next session. Healing and growth take time, so it’s important to keep the momentum going. If you’re not sure about your schedule, that’s okay too. We offer convenient scheduling options for current clients whenever you’re ready to book another therapy session.
Setting Goals for Therapy
One of the most important things we’ll do during your therapy appointment is set goals. These are goals that make sense to you—whether you’re looking for relief from anxiety, deeper self-understanding, or healthier relationships. Therapy is a partnership, so we’ll work together to create a path forward that feels right for you.
Therapy Is Collaborative
In your Chilliwack therapy sessions, you’re in control of your journey, and your therapist is there to support you in the best way possible. If something feels right, great—let them know! But if something doesn’t feel quite right, or if you want to try a different approach or shift your goals, don’t be afraid to speak up. Your therapist is there to listen and adjust to what works for you. Therapy is a partnership, and your feedback helps make sure it’s truly helping you in the way you need.
Chilliwack Therapy Billing and Insurance
At Vitality Collective, we want to make billing and insurance as easy as possible for you. Our session fees follow the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors’ guidelines, and payment is due at the time of your session. We accept credit card or Interac e-transfer. New clients are asked to keep a credit card on file to secure your booking, but if you prefer, you can pay by e-transfer by contacting our billing coordinator. Where there is financial hardship, select counsellors from our team offer sliding scale/reduced fees for sessions as availability allows. Please inquire with our client care coordinator team if we currently have reduced fee spots available.
For insurance, many extended health plans will cover all or part of your session. If your plan allows for direct billing, we can set that up for you. If not, we’ll provide a receipt for you to submit to your insurance. If your plan doesn’t cover Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCC), you may be able to speak with your HR department to adjust your coverage or consider a Health Spending Account if you're self-employed.
We also offer direct billing for specific organizations like ICBC and CVAP. Just let us know when you inquire, and we’ll confirm if your therapist can work with your insurance. For all other questions regarding billing and insurance for your therapy session in Chilliwack, please don’t hesitate to contact us and we’ll help you navigate it.
Related: Direct Billing for Registered Clinical Counsellors in British Columbia: Everything You Need To Know
Booking Therapy in Chilliwack, BC
Taking that first step toward therapy is the beginning of making positive, lasting change in your life. If you’re feeling nervous, know that you’re not alone. You don’t have to have all the answers right now—what’s important is that you’ve decided to move forward, and your Chilliwack therapist is here to support you every step of the way.
If you’re feeling unsure or have any questions before your first session, please do not hesitate to contact our team. We’re here to help.