Will I cry in my first therapy session?

Asked by: Austen Purdy  |  Last update: April 17, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (74 votes)

The short answer is yes, it is completely normal to cry during the first therapy session. In fact, it is not uncommon for individuals to cry during multiple therapy sessions. Therapy can bring up a range of emotions, and crying is just one way that individuals may respond.

Is it okay to cry in your first therapy session?

It is quite normal to cry in the first session, and I have cried in many of my first sessions as the patient. Crying is a human response to sadness. You are in therapy to learn to be more comfortable with being vulnerable. Your therapist, if they are well-trained and ethical, should help you explore that vulnerability.

Is it normal to not cry in therapy?

Some people will never cry in therapy ever. Some people will get there with a lot of time and work. Some people spend every minute of every session crying. Any of them are okay, but your therapist's goal is for you to be aware of your emotions and able to express them in the way you wish.

What does a therapist do if you start crying?

Providing emotional support is an essential part of therapy. When clients express their feelings, including crying, therapists often respond with empathy and understanding. They may use verbal reassurances, body language, or even offer tissues to help clients feel more at ease.

What should your first therapy session be like?

During your first session, your therapist will ask questions to understand what you're struggling with and what brought you in to see them. You'll likely talk about some of your past (family history, traumatic experiences) and how your symptoms or feelings are manifesting today, and how long they have been showing up.

What to Expect During Your First Therapy Session | Kati Morton

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Is therapy awkward at first?

Your first therapy sessions will probably feel awkward. If they do, it's not you—it's just part of the process. Hold on and get through them and you can get to the part where therapy gets good. One of the reasons your first sessions might not be what you expect is that a therapist has to start by doing an assessment.

What do you say on your first day of therapy?

In your first therapy sessions, you'll talk about your reasons for coming to therapy. You'll talk about what's been going on in your life that is painful, difficult, or at least not working as well as you'd like. You'll talk about things you want to change and any goals you might have.

Is it awkward to cry in therapy?

It's a good idea to become comfortable with crying through the process of therapy. Try making that the first thing you talk to the therapist about; tell them if you're uncomfortable crying in front of them. They may have some tips to help. Even if you can't cry in front of them, you may find it happens after a session.

Will my therapist judge me for crying?

there is nothing wrong with crying in session so keep expressing your feelings however you need to. This is a safe place to be you. However you best express your genuine emotions as they come up, it is safe here.

How to let yourself cry in therapy?

Stop talking, turn down the volume of your thoughts, and pay attention to your body and see what happens. Quit Trying: For many, the point of therapy is to be yourself in the moment. If you're really unable to cry at this time, why not accept this?

What do therapists think when clients cry?

Therapists, far from being alarmed by tears, often see them as a positive sign. When a client cries, it's an indication that they are opening up, allowing themselves to be vulnerable, and addressing deep-seated emotions. Therapists are trained to handle these moments with care and empathy.

Why do I go silent in therapy?

Silence in therapy can help you:

Collect your thoughts and figure out what you want to say. Explain your thoughts without the fear of being interrupted. Process any intense feelings you're experiencing in the present moment. Make new connections and realizations about the topic you're exploring.

How often do therapists cry in session?

Blume-Marcovici, PhD, Ronald A. Stolberg, PhD, and Mojgan Khademi, PsyD, of Alliant International University, for example, found that 72 percent of psychologists and trainees had cried at some point with patients, with 30 percent having shed tears in the previous four weeks.

Should I see a therapist if I can't cry?

If your inability to cry is affecting your mental health or relationships in life, it may be time to seek professional support. A therapist can help you uncover the root cause of your emotional block and offer strategies to help you reconnect with your emotions.

What does a therapist ask you the first time?

Here are a few questions your therapist might ask in your first therapy session, if they haven't already addressed them in the phone consultation: Have you attended therapy in the past? What are your symptoms? Do you have a family history of mental health struggles?

Can a therapist diagnose you?

Do therapists diagnose you? Yes, just like psychiatrists, therapists are trained to diagnose mental health disorders. A therapist will use talk therapy to determine a mental health problem and conduct psychological tests to make a diagnosis. A therapist can also develop a treatment plan for you based on your diagnosis.

What does a therapist do if you cry in a session?

When a client begins to cry during a session, therapists respond in a respectful and understanding manner. While it is natural to feel uncomfortable when someone is crying in your presence, the therapist must remain composed and focused on providing support for their client.

Should I tell my therapist they hurt my feelings?

Yes, you should let your therapist know if you feel angry or upset with them. Understanding and working through difficult emotions is an important part of therapy. It's the therapist's job to listen to your concerns and help you work through these feelings without getting overwhelmed by your emotional reactions.

What is emotional flooding after therapy session?

Emotional flooding is experienced when a person is overwhelmed by deep and intense emotions that might result from a therapy session. When this happens, a person might have difficulty processing feelings and have unexpected feelings that are difficult to manage.

Is it unprofessional for a therapist to cry?

Semistructured interviews with counselors at a mid-sized university in the Midwest found that tears could be an appropriate response to a client's unique situation and helpful in empathizing with the client.

What if I don't want to cry in therapy?

Communicate with Your Therapist

If you're feeling hesitant about crying in therapy, talk to your therapist about it. Your therapist wants to know about any concerns you have. They can also reassure you if you're worried about crying in front of them.

Is crying in therapy a breakthrough?

Crying in therapy can signify various emotions, from relief to sadness, frustration to realization. While it's not a definitive breakthrough marker, tears can indicate a profound emotional connection or completion about a topic or memory.

What will my first therapy session be like?

At the beginning of your first therapy session, your therapist may walk you through a few more details, such as the types of therapy they practise and how to book future sessions. Your therapist will want to understand more about you and how they can help.

How do you end a first therapy session?

From the therapist to the client
  1. Thank the client for the opportunity to work together.
  2. Outline the focus of the therapy.
  3. Describe the problem the client presented at the outset.
  4. Remind the client how you approached or unpacked the problem.
  5. Discuss patterns of behavior, feelings, and thinking.

How to go deeper in therapy?

It is essential to acknowledge and validate your emotions, recognize the connection between the past and present, and understand why you might feel the way you are. Going deeper in therapy may include looking at unmet needs and core issues that present themselves in situations that occur in your day-to-day life.