Starting therapy can come with questions about what to expect, what to talk about, and whether you need to prepare in advance.
You don't need to have everything figured out before your first appointment. The first session is an opportunity for you and your psychologist to begin getting acquainted, discuss what has brought you to therapy, and consider what support may be appropriate.
What to Expect at Your First Psychology Appointment
Before Your Appointment
Once your appointment is booked, you will receive any required intake, consent, and administrative information before services begin.
Completing these forms ahead of time allows your psychologist to review important information and leaves more time during your appointment to focus on what has brought you in.
You do not need to prepare a detailed history, identify a diagnosis, or know exactly what you want to work on before attending.
Arriving for an In-Person Appointment
In-person appointments are offered at our Edmonton clinic.
When you arrive, you can make yourself comfortable in the waiting area. Your psychologist will meet you there when it is time for your appointment.
Finding the Clinic
Driven Psychology
Unit 1A, 10455 84 Avenue NW
Edmonton, Alberta
Parking is located on the south side of the building in Impark Lot #211. You will be asked to register your licence plate at our front desk.
We recommend arriving a few minutes early for your first appointment so you have time to locate the clinic and get settled.
Attending Virtually
Virtual psychology appointments may be available to clients located in Alberta and the Yukon, depending on clinician registration, service suitability, and availability.
Before your appointment, you will receive the information needed to access your secure virtual session.
For virtual appointments, we recommend:
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Choosing a private location where you feel comfortable speaking
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Using headphones if additional privacy is helpful
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Checking your internet connection and device beforehand
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Allowing a few minutes before the appointment to get settled
Your psychologist may also confirm your physical location at the beginning of a virtual appointment as part of the clinical and safety process.
Your First Appointment
Your first appointment is primarily an opportunity for your psychologist to begin understanding you, your circumstances, and what you would like support with.
Depending on the service and your reasons for attending, your psychologist may ask about:
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What has brought you to therapy
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Current concerns or circumstances
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Relevant personal, relationship, family, or health history
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Experiences that may be affecting you currently
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Previous experiences with therapy, if applicable
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Strategies or supports you are already using
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What you would like to focus on in therapy
You are not expected to discuss everything in one appointment.
You are also welcome to ask questions about your psychologist's approach, recommendations, or the therapy process.
You Don't Need to Know What to Say
There is no "right" way to begin therapy.
Some people arrive knowing exactly what they want to discuss. Others know that something is not working well but are unsure where to start.
Both are okay.
Your psychologist can ask questions, help organize the conversation, and work with you to identify areas that may be useful to explore.
You can also let your psychologist know if there is something you are not ready to discuss.
Confidentiality & Informed Consent
Before or during the beginning of services, your psychologist will review important information about the therapy process.
This may include:
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Confidentiality and its limits
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Record keeping
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Communication outside of appointments
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Fees and cancellation policies
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The roles and responsibilities of the psychologist and client
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Considerations specific to virtual, couples, or family therapy where applicable
You are encouraged to ask questions if anything about the process is unclear.
What Happens After?
There is no single treatment schedule or number of appointments that is appropriate for everyone.
After learning more about your concerns and goals, your psychologist may discuss their initial understanding, possible therapeutic approaches, recommendations, and potential next steps.
If you decide to continue working together, you and your psychologist can discuss the frequency and format of future appointments based on your goals, circumstances, clinical needs, recommendations, and availability.
Therapy is an ongoing collaborative process, and your questions, preferences, and feedback are welcome throughout.
Couples & Family Appointments
If you are attending couples or family therapy, the first appointment may involve additional discussion about:
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What has brought everyone to therapy
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Each person's perspective
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Relationship or family history
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Goals for therapy
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Who will participate in appointments
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Confidentiality and record-keeping considerations
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Communication with the psychologist outside of sessions
Your psychologist will explain how these matters are handled before moving forward with treatment.
Not Sure Who to Book With?
You do not need to identify the perfect psychologist or therapeutic approach before reaching out.
Our administrative team can help you review available clinicians based on the type of service you are looking for, appointment format, areas of practice, and current availability.