What to Expect in Your First Therapy Session | Dr. Peter Gleiberman, San Mateo CA

You’ve made the calls, had initial consultations with a few different therapists, and now you’ve landed on someone who feels like the right fit. You’ve scheduled your first session—so, now what?

What We Cover in a First Session

Even after doing the legwork, starting therapy can still feel intimidating. That’s completely normal. In fact, even therapists can feel a bit nervous meeting a new client for the first time!

Here’s a glimpse into what that first session might look like with me, Dr. Peter Gleiberman, a licensed psychologist (PSY 33347) located in San Mateo, CA.

If we’ve scheduled an in-person session, we’ve already spoken during an initial consultation phone call. That conversation sets the stage, and to me, the first session feels like a natural continuation of it. I’ll expand on what we talked about and begin gathering more context—not just about the “presenting problem” that brought you to therapy, but about who you are as a whole person.

I’m interested in learning about your hobbies, relationships, passions, and values—because we are all much more than our diagnosis or the challenges we face. The first session is also a space for you to continue assessing whether I feel like the right fit for you and the work you hope to do in therapy. I strive to create an environment where clients feel comfortable, empowered, and actively involved in shaping their therapeutic journey. Some clients prefer a more structured approach for that first meeting, while others prefer a more open-ended conversation. Either way is welcome. You can take the lead, or I can help guide us. As we move beyond the first session, patterns and themes begin to emerge, and the work becomes deeper and more focused.

What You Don't Have to Do

You do not have to have everything figured out before you walk in. You do not have to know exactly what is wrong, or be able to articulate why you are struggling. Many clients come in knowing only that something feels off. That is a perfectly valid starting point. You also do not have to share more than you are ready to share. The first session is as much about you assessing me as it is about me beginning to understand you. That collaborative process is part of what makes therapy work.

No matter how we begin, my goal is to support you in finding clarity, connection, and growth. If this sounds like a fit for you as you consider therapy for depression, anxiety, or stress then please feel free to contact me to schedule an initial consultation.

A Note on Telehealth

For clients throughout California who prefer to meet virtually, the first telehealth session follows the same rhythm. Many clients find the familiarity of their own environment actually makes the initial conversation feel more natural. Whether in-person at my San Mateo office or via telehealth, the goal is the same: creating a space where you can begin to feel genuinely heard.

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