@alignandthrive.therapy: One of my favorite things about being a therapist is realizing that there isn’t one “right” way to start a session. The questions we ask often reflect what we pay attention to, what we believe facilitates change, and how we conceptualize the work. 🧠 CBT * What situations stood out to you this week? * What thoughts have been showing up the most? * What patterns have you been noticing? 👁️ EMDR * What has felt activated since we last met? * Have any new memories, triggers, or insights come up? * What feels most important to focus on today? 🌿 IFS / Parts Work * What part of you has been showing up the most lately? * Are there any parts in conflict right now? * What part of you needs the most attention today? 🤝 Attachment / Relational * What’s been happening in your relationships? * Where have you felt connected or disconnected? * What has felt most vulnerable lately? 🌊 ACT * What have you been making room for this week? * Have you noticed yourself moving toward or away from your values? * What matters most to you right now? 🧘 Somatic * What are you noticing in your body today? * What sensations have been getting your attention? * As you talk about that, what happens inside? ✨ Solution-Focused * What’s gone even a little bit better? * What’s working right now? * What would tell you therapy is helping? 🎯 Psychodynamic * What’s been on your mind since we last met? * What feels important to talk about today? * What are you noticing as you share that? 💛 Integrative Therapist * What’s been taking up the most space for you lately? * If we had a really productive session today, what would we talk about? Which one resonates with you? #therapyskills #mentalhealththerapist #therapistintraining #therapist
Can you imagine starting a session with “what stood out to you this week” I start of hey! How are you? And letting the client settle in to the space and then asking those questions? This is weird and feels so unnatural.
2026-06-21 23:33:37
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Roberto Ahmed :
I always start with where would you like to invite me today
2026-06-21 19:57:24
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noonelol2102 :
I start mine with WAZZZZZUPP
2026-06-23 23:35:15
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Nat🥳🕺 :
My counselor starts with a summary of the last session and then says “so where are we at now?”. Definitely stealing this for my clients bc it’s so helpful for me
2026-06-22 00:00:38
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Tanya :
“What’s been coming up for you since last session and what do you feel ready to work on today?”
2026-06-21 20:10:18
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NativePlantDorks :
I always say “how are you” and “how have you been.” It’s never been an issue.
2026-06-22 09:48:21
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djdirtyd :
i say “what’s poppin?!” can’t stop won’t stop
2026-06-24 00:48:14
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Me :
I start off with a hey, how are you so that I can scan their body and tone during their response. It helps me understand them better over time before they say much. Then I hit them with the more targeted openers.
2026-06-22 22:38:32
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BarelyFunctioning :
Roger williams park?
2026-06-22 22:16:55
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Yes.I.Know :
Give me a break
2026-06-22 12:07:52
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rez :
Has to be a natural flow based on rapport built with client and how many session you have had. Client comfort is the foundation to successful sessions. Most importantly meeting your client where they are. Allow them to control their session. I start with “what would you like to discuss today” then go from there….
2026-06-23 02:04:10
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tamia :
i always say "how has this week been treating you?"
2026-06-22 04:03:02
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E_the_AuDHD_LMFT♾️🌈✅ :
love these, bookmarked!
2026-06-21 16:54:01
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Eden⁷ :
Almost always start my sessions with "how's life been treating you?" to get a vibe on how they've been. It's less generic, thus I typically get a less generic response, but it's still a simple starter that doesn't immediately open a can of worms that some aren't ready for
2026-06-23 00:04:47
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Unfollowed :
Why not both?
2026-06-22 03:31:16
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makaylaandmoose :
Did you use AI to create the caption?💀
2026-06-23 22:45:37
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fortmonsoon :
Watch out this can make you come across as a robot to the client. I always like a good, “good to see you. What’s new?” Don’t overthink it I say, this scripted stuff doesn’t fly with most clients
2026-06-23 21:08:30
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Nova Grace :
I wish therapists wouldn’t use IFS if they aren’t trained in it. It just strengthens manager parts with labeling 🥺
2026-06-23 21:50:50
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mide cassaday :
@mide cassaday:Im gonna greet people and start sessions with whatever feels genuine in the moment with that given person - sincerely, an existential therapist 💙
2026-06-22 18:34:57
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Maria Queen :
How are you and where are we going today?
2026-06-22 01:35:58
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The Stitchy Hippie :
I do happy/crappy
2026-06-23 00:50:07
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TheRelatableTherapist-LCSW :
That wouldn’t be natural for every client - it may work for some.. but some I’m sure would side eye me.. 😂
2026-06-23 03:13:58
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Kelly Gallagher-Kiley LISW-CP :
One of my “openers” is “tell me a story”
2026-06-22 02:01:44
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THAYY :
I invite them to share their highs and lows of the week
2026-06-22 01:26:34
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JFranG :
Damn these are 🔥
2026-06-22 03:36:27
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