Taking That First Step
Starting therapy for PTSD can feel like standing at the base of a mountain, looking up at the climb ahead. It’s normal to feel a mix of hope and hesitation. You might wonder what happens in that first session, what questions you’ll be asked, or if you’ll need to share difficult memories right away. These concerns are completely natural, especially when dealing with trauma.
At Dr. Riggins PLLC, we understand that beginning PTSD treatment takes courage. As a licensed clinical psychologist with extensive experience treating trauma, particularly military trauma, Dr. Riggins creates a safe space where healing can begin at your pace. This guide will walk you through what to expect in your first PTSD therapy session, helping you feel more prepared and confident as you take this important step toward recovery.
Before Your First Session
The journey begins even before your first appointment. After scheduling your telehealth session, you’ll receive intake paperwork to complete. This includes basic information about your background, current symptoms, and what brings you to therapy now. While it might feel challenging to write about your experiences, remember that this information helps Dr. Riggins understand your unique situation before you meet.
To prepare mentally, consider what goals you have for therapy. What would feeling better look like for you? Maybe it’s sleeping through the night without nightmares, feeling comfortable in public places again, or reconnecting with loved ones. Having some idea of what you hope to achieve can help focus your treatment from the start.
The First Session Structure
Your initial session will last about 50-55 minutes and takes place via secure telehealth platform. The primary goals of this meeting are building rapport, gathering information, and creating a foundation for treatment.
Dr. Riggins will begin by discussing confidentiality and explaining how telehealth therapy works. He’ll review your intake forms and may clarify certain points to ensure he has a clear understanding of your situation. This is also when you can ask any questions about the therapy process.
You won’t be pressured to share detailed trauma narratives during this first meeting. Instead, Dr. Riggins will ask about your current symptoms, how they’re affecting your daily life, and what coping strategies you’ve tried. This helps establish a baseline for treatment and identifies immediate concerns that might need addressing.
Assessment Approach
During your first session, Dr. Riggins may use both conversation and standardized assessments to understand your PTSD symptoms. These might include questions about sleep patterns, anxiety levels, flashbacks, avoidance behaviors, and how symptoms impact your relationships and daily functioning.
This assessment process is collaborative and informative. Dr. Riggins explains what he’s observing and how these symptoms connect to PTSD, helping you understand the “why” behind your experiences. Many clients find relief in simply understanding that their reactions make sense given what they’ve been through.
For veterans specifically, Dr. Riggins draws on his experience working with the Department of Veterans Affairs to address military-related trauma with cultural competence and genuine understanding of service-related experiences.
Creating Your Treatment Plan
Toward the end of your first session, Dr. Riggins will discuss treatment recommendations based on your specific needs. He primarily uses evidence-based approaches for PTSD, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), which have strong research support for trauma recovery.
Your treatment plan might include how often you’ll meet (typically weekly at first), approximate treatment duration, and specific techniques that will be used. Dr. Riggins emphasizes an informative and collaborative approach, ensuring you understand the rationale behind recommended strategies and have input into your treatment path.
Remember that this plan isn’t set in stone – it will evolve as therapy progresses and as you provide feedback about what’s working and what isn’t. Effective therapy is a partnership, with both therapist and client working together toward healing.
Ending the First Session and Next Steps
As your first session concludes, Dr. Riggins will check in about how you’re feeling and address any immediate concerns. He may suggest some simple coping techniques you can use between sessions, especially if you’re experiencing significant distress.
You’ll schedule your next appointment and receive clear information about how to contact Dr. Riggins if needed between sessions. This establishes the supportive framework that will carry you through the therapy process.
While the journey of PTSD treatment isn’t always easy, that first session marks a significant step toward reclaiming your life from trauma. With Dr. Riggins’ professional guidance and your courage to engage in the process, healing is possible.
Begin Your Path to Recovery Today
Taking the first step is often the hardest part of any journey. If you’re ready to begin addressing PTSD with professional support, Dr. Riggins offers free 30-minute consultations to answer your questions and help you determine if his approach is right for you.
Schedule your consultation today through our secure online system or by calling our office. Virtual appointments are available Monday through Friday from 9am to 4pm, making it convenient to access care from the comfort of your home.
You don’t have to face PTSD alone. With compassionate, evidence-based treatment, you can develop the skills to manage symptoms and move forward toward a more peaceful life. The path to recovery begins with a single step.