How to Build Trust During the Initial Therapy Session

How do you build trust with a therapy client—right from the very first session? In this video, I’m sharing practical, human-centered ways to help clients feel safe, seen, and supported during your first meeting. I’m skipping over the usual advice and instead offering specific examples you can use immediately—whether it’s how you reference intake paperwork, defuse shame, or connect over a cat in the background. Small touches make a big difference—and they’re especially helpful if a client arrives anxious, guarded, or unsure about starting therapy. Sign up for TherapyNotes and get two months FREE: https://www.therapynotes.com/r/privat... FREE Guide: Start a Private Practice in Counseling: https://tinyurl.com/y9ek9en8 LINKS *Some links are affiliate links. A percentage of purchases come back to me and help my channel immensely! 👉 All my filming gear: https://kit.co/privatepracticeskills/... 👉 Music I use: https://www.epidemicsound.com/referra... This video is geared toward therapists of all kinds, including psychologists, MFTs, LPCCs, social workers, and others in the clinical counseling field. Welcome to Private Practice Skills! I’m Dr. Marie Fang, psychologist in private practice. I post videos offering tools I learned the hard way about starting and growing private practice so that you don’t have to. Website: www.privatepracticeskills.com Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3TfknqI... Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Instagram:   / privatepracticeskills   This video is not intended as professional or legal advice. Be sure to seek the services of a professional if you are in need of them.