Anxiety Therapist Los Angeles - What to expect from your first therapy session?
Anxiety Therapist Los Angeles
Making the decision to seek therapy is a huge step. You've taken the first step by booking an appointment with an Anxiety Therapist in Los Angeles. Now, the nerves start to kick in. It’s real—therapy is about to begin. A thousand questions flood your mind. How will the first session go? Will it really help? What will the therapist think of me? And most importantly, will this experience help me start to feel better? It’s natural to feel overwhelmed, but you don’t have to go into this journey unprepared.
As an Anxiety Therapist in Los Angeles, I’ve had the privilege of working with many clients who experience these same anxieties and uncertainties before their first session. These feelings are completely normal, but that doesn’t mean they should hold you back. If you’re feeling nervous, pay attention to the gif at the right where you see Dave (or Andy Cohen from The OC (Iykyk)) from Gilmore Girls and let’s take his piece of advice us take a moment to just Breathe —take a deep breath.
Inhale for 5 seconds… Exhale for 8 seconds. Inhale for 5 seconds… Exhale for 8 seconds. Do this a couple of times until you feel the rush of anxiety quiet down.
When you're ready, let's dive in and talk about how to help you feel more prepared and confident as you begin your therapeutic journey with an Anxiety Therapist in Los Angeles
Navigating Your Nervousness: It’s Okay to Feel Anxious
Let’s take a moment to address the normalcy of nerves, thoughts and concerns with your first therapy session — even if it is not your first time in therapy. It’s okay to feel nervous or uneasy. The stigma around therapy, especially in Latinx and other marginalized communities, can sometimes feel heavy. Therapy is still misunderstood in many circles. You may have heard things like, “Terápia es para locos” (“therapy is for crazy people”), “Por que vas a hablar con un extraño?” (“Why are you going to talk to a stranger?”), or “Eso no va ayudar” (“That won’t help”)—these are some of the comments that many BIPOC clients, and especially Queer folx, encounter when they decide to seek therapy. Unfortunately, these perceptions can be hard to shake off, especially when we’ve been raised in environments that view emotional expression or mental health care as a weakness.
It’s understandable that you may feel anxious about judgment from family, friends, or society, especially when you are on a journey to reclaim your own healing. These thoughts of invalidation and shame can make it even harder to take that first step. But here’s the truth: you are not weak. Seeking therapy is a powerful act of self-love and bravery. I’ve worked with many clients who, just like you, are navigating the tension of pursuing their emotional well-being while feeling the weight of cultural expectations.
What can help in these moments is education and normalizing the process of therapy. It can be through speaking to someone you know who has gone through therapy, engaging with social media posts by people who look like you and share their therapy journeys, or finding therapists who speak directly to these concerns. Allow me to help you through your feelings of nervousness by providing information to answer some common questions and normalize the therapeutic process.
Anxiety Therapist in Los Angeles
1. What Happens After You Schedule Your Appointment?
Once you’ve booked your appointment with an Anxiety Therapist in Los Angeles, there’s usually a period of waiting. After scheduling, you will be sent paperwork through a secure portal (I use Simple Practice for this, which is HIPAA-compliant). These documents will cover everything from confidentiality to the therapist’s attendance and payment policies. It may feel like a lot, but it’s all about helping you understand your rights and making sure your sessions are protected.
If you have any questions about the paperwork or feel uneasy about anything, don’t hesitate to reach out to your therapist before your session. Many therapists, including myself, will provide an option to review documents with you if needed.
2. Preparing for Your First Session for Anxiety Therapy
One of the most common questions I get as an Anxiety Therapist in Los Angeles is, “How do I prepare for my first session?” It’s completely normal to feel a little nervous. The good news? It’s not about being perfectly ready, but rather just showing up. Here’s a simple yet powerful tip: take a deep breath. It helps calm your nervous system and lowers anxiety.
It’s also important to remember that the first session is an introduction to therapy, not a deep dive into your entire life story. So, be sure to do what makes you feel comfortable. Have a light snack or meal, drink some water, and if you’re doing virtual therapy, create a cozy space where you feel safe and relaxed. (I like having an item that is soft; a pillow or blanket.) Being in an environment that feels good can help you feel more at ease.
3. What Happens During the First Therapy Session for Anxiety?
The first therapy session is often referred to as the “intake” session. Think of it as the first day at a new job or school—it’s your introduction, on your own terms and just with one other person…your therapist - not a group of strangers. In this session, your therapist will gather information to get a better understanding of who you are and what you’re coming in for. As an Anxiety Therapist in Los Angeles, I’m interested in understanding the root causes of your anxiety, as well as your family dynamics, relationships, therapy history, medical history, and any past experiences with anxiety or trauma.
We’ll also talk about how anxiety shows up in your life. Is it interfering with your work? Your relationships? Your self-esteem? All of this is crucial information that helps me understand how we can best support you on your healing journey.
But don’t worry—this isn’t an interrogation. It’s simply a conversation where I want to hear your story in your own words, and we’ll collaborate on how to move forward. My approach to therapy is warm, understanding, and client-centered. It’s not about me telling you what’s wrong, it’s about us working together to figure out what’s going on and how we can help you feel better.
4. Will I Have Homework?
A question that comes up often is, “Will I have homework after the first session?” The answer is generally no—at least not right away. My priority during the first few sessions is to establish trust and create a safe space for you to feel heard. This takes time, and rushing into assignments can feel overwhelming, especially when you're still getting comfortable with the process.
As an Anxiety Therapist in Los Angeles, I always prioritize your emotional safety first. Once we’ve built a solid foundation together, I may offer coping strategies or journaling exercises to help you manage your anxiety. Homework, if incorporated, is always a joint discussion between you and I to ensure it fits with where you’re at emotionally.
5. When Will I Have My Next Session?
At the end of the first session, we will discuss when to schedule your next session. This is an important conversation, as therapy often works best when it’s consistent. Weekly sessions are the most common frequency, but we can discuss what works best for your schedule and needs.
Consistency helps build momentum, and regular check-ins allow us to track your progress and address new challenges as they arise. You don’t have to figure this out on your own—together, we will find a rhythm that supports your healing.
6. When will I feel better?
There may be a sense of urgency and motivation that can come up after setting up your first session and find a therapist that your like, where it leads to wanting to know how long will it take to feel better. Short answer — It depends on different factors. Every client is different in how they progress in therapy. As an Anxiety Therapist in Los Angeles, I share with my clients that my goal in therapy is for them to be able to have the emotional strength they cultivate in therapy to support them long after our sessions together. Therapy isn’t just about solving problems—it’s about emotional growth.
6. What If I Don’t Like What Happened in the First Session or I’m Not Sure It’s a Good Match?
It’s perfectly okay to feel unsure after your first session. Finding the right therapist is a personal process, and sometimes it takes time to determine whether you feel comfortable with someone. If, after your first session, you feel like it’s not the right fit, it’s important to speak up.
As an Anxiety Therapist in Los Angeles, I believe that the therapeutic relationship is central to the healing process. If it turns out that I’m not the right fit for you, I’ll be more than happy to help you find a different therapist who may be a better match. It’s okay to advocate for your needs and ensure that you feel heard and supported in the process.
Anxiety Therapist in Los Angeles
Therapy is a journey — I’m here to walk it with you every step of the way and I want you to know that the discomfort you’re feeling now is temporary.By scheduling your first therapy session, you’ve already made a huge commitment to your mental health. With time, patience, and the right support, you will begin to see progress. If you’re feeling uncertain or anxious about your first session, remember that it’s okay to feel nervous. What matters is that you showed up. And together, we’ll continue working toward your healing and growth.
If you’re ready to begin your journey or if you have questions about the process, feel free to call me at (323) 493-6644. I’m here to support you, as a therapist who understands and respects your unique cultural, gender, and emotional experiences.
Wishing you peace and clarity on your journey — and the healing you deserve.
Ligia Orellana, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
