Starting Therapy in the DMV? Here’s What to Expect in Your First Session
Heyy, we see you. Thanks for stopping by.
Taking the first step into therapy can feel overwhelming - especially if it’s your first time or your past experiences didn’t feel affirming or safe. At Prackind, a therapy and counseling practice serving clients across Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia (DMV), we want you to know this:
Your first therapy session is all about you.
Your comfort. Your story. Your pace.
We center the lived experiences of Black and Brown people. We know what it’s like to carry so much, to move through life being strong for everyone else, while struggling to create joyful space for yourself. Whether you’re exploring therapy for anxiety, trauma, stress, relationships, or simply want to reconnect with yourself- we’re here for you.
So, if you’re thinking about starting therapy- or you’ve already booked your first session- here’s what to expect:
Therapy is a Conversation, Not an Interrogation
We’re not here to judge you. We’re here to listen and help guide. You determine how little or how much you’d like to share. There’s no pressure.
Your therapist will lead the session with warmth and intention, and start by going over things like confidentiality, what therapy can look like, and the different therapeutic approaches we may use to help support you.
This is a space where you get to exhale.
We’ll Get to Know What Brought You In
Whether you’re seeking therapy for anxiety, stress, sadness, trauma or relationship issues, your therapist may ask open-ended questions to understand what’s showing up for you. There’s no pressure to have it figured out or express it the “right” way. Sometimes we just know we’re tired. Or done. And that’s enough.
We’ll Honor Your Story
Remember you decide how little or how much you want to share. We explore your feelings and experiences, and things like family dynamics, cultural identity, work, past mental health experiences, or medical history. This helps us provide care that’s healing-centered, strengths-based and affirming.
We’ll Talk About Your Goals
There’s no need for perfection. We’ll work together to begin naming what you hope to get out of therapy. Maybe it’s learning tools to manage anxiety. Maybe it’s healing old wounds, finding joy or showing up differently in your relationships. Your goals will help guide our work together.
Know that here you can show up just as you are. You don’t need to have it all together. It’s okay to be nervous, awkward or unsure. All of it is welcome.
We meet you with warmth, patience, and zero judgment.
You deserve a space that sees and supports all of you- your culture, your history, your brilliance, your softness. We’re here to help you heal, grow, and reconnect with the fullness of who you are.
Let’s get started, together.
In case you didn’t know…
Prackind is a group counseling practice that offers culturally responsive therapy for men, women, teens, couples, and families across the DC, Maryland and Virginia area. Our services include:
Mental Health Therapy
Somatic Therapy & EMDR
Premarital Counseling
Sex Therapy & Relationship Therapy
Christian Faith-Based Counseling
Whether it's your first time or you're returning to therapy, we’re here to support you along the way.
