Most important, it keeps you and your child from becoming attached to one person, only to have to switch abruptly to someone else. Some therapists consider the first session a time for evaluation. They will want to collect enough information to determine what, if any, treatment might be most helpful. They will spend time during the first appointment asking questions. Those who see the first meeting as the beginning of treatment will gather information and begin by making comments or suggestions.
Therapists vary as to which members of the family they wish to see for the first appointment.
Usually, with children under twelve or thirteen, therapists will not ask to see the child first. Explain that you want to make sure the therapist is someone with whom you will be able to work comfortably. Most important, all therapists will want to know about the specific problems that led you to seek professional help and why you sought help at this particular time. If the therapist meets with the entire family, the focus of the first session will probably be very different. The therapist will want to observe how that child and the other children get along in the family.