5 min readUpdated 13 September 2026Reviewed by the Veera's Global clinical team
Before the session
Set up somewhere you will not be interrupted and will not be overheard. Headphones help more than anything else. Test the camera and microphone a few minutes early, keep water nearby, and have a notebook if you like writing things down.
If you live with family and privacy is difficult, say so at the start. Clinicians work with this constantly and can adjust — shorter sessions, chat-based check-ins, or scheduling around the house being empty.
What the psychologist will ask
The first session is mostly assessment. Expect questions about what brought you here now, how long it has been going on, how it affects sleep, work, study and relationships, what you have already tried, and what you want to be different.
You will also be asked about risk — whether you have had thoughts of harming yourself. It is a routine safety question asked of everyone, not a judgement about you, and an honest answer helps the clinician support you properly.
What you will leave with
By the end of a first session you should have a shared idea of what is going on, an indicative plan including how often to meet, and a sense of the approach the psychologist intends to use. If any of that is missing, ask directly before the session ends.
- A working understanding of the difficulty in plain language.
- An indicative number of sessions and how progress will be reviewed.
- Anything to notice, track or practise before the next session.
- Clarity on fees, cancellation and how to reach the clinic between sessions.
If it does not feel like the right fit
The relationship with your therapist matters to the outcome, and not every pairing works. It is entirely acceptable to say the fit is not right and ask to be matched with someone else — clinicians expect this and do not take it personally.
Give it two or three sessions before deciding, unless something is clearly wrong. Early discomfort is often the work itself rather than a poor match.
A note on the first few weeks
Talking about difficult material can leave you tired or unsettled for a day afterwards. Plan something gentle after early sessions rather than a demanding meeting, and tell your therapist how the week went — that feedback shapes what comes next.
Frequently asked questions
How long is a session?
Session length is set by the clinician and shown on their profile before you book, so you know exactly how long you have.
Do I need to switch my camera on?
It is preferred, because facial expression is part of the assessment, but tell your clinician if it is not possible and they will work with you.
What if I get emotional?
That is expected and completely fine. Your therapist will give you time and will not rush you through it.
Important
This article is general information and does not replace a personal clinical assessment, diagnosis or treatment. Veera's Global is not an emergency service. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, contact your local emergency number or a crisis helpline straight away.