The focus is on conversation. There is no set agenda and, as a rule, no structured exercises; however, agreements are occasionally reached, such as on how to handle crises.
Many people find the first few hours to be an unfamiliar experience. The therapist gives fewer instructions than expected and tends to ask questions rather than offer advice—the tools she uses for this are Clarification and Interpretation. Some people would like more guidance. This usually goes away once it becomes clear that the open format allows for topics that otherwise wouldn't be discussed.
Over time, many people report gaining a better understanding of their own patterns: in relationships, in conflicts, and in how they treat themselves—even if it’s often unclear at the beginning, how long therapy lasts.
Not every therapist-patient pairing is a good fit; it's perfectly acceptable to switch therapists.
Before you go through with it, it's worth, to address the request. Frustration, disappointment, or the urge to leave are often part of the issue itself—and are particularly revealing in those moments. If things remain the same afterward, making a change is the right move.
