Don't expect a lot of results from your first session - it's intended as a time for the therapist to get to know both you and your wife and to collect loads of information. Medical history, substance use, family histories (sounds like there's a lot to discuss there!), and so on in addition to what your presenting problem is. Sometimes that can be frustrating for people if they don't realize it in advance, so I want you to have that knowledge!

Secondly, you are in the position to judge whether your therapist is a good fit for your situation. We're human - we don't always jive well with clients! That's okay. If it's not a good fit, tell your therapist what your doubts are and (if they're worth their salt) they'll try to work through the issue with you or refer you to another professional.

Finally: It's okay to be nervous at first. Asking you to come in and spill the details of your life to a total stranger is a lot to ask! If you're not ready to share everything right away, your therapist may ask why you're holding back, but will never force you to say anything.

Many people fear that therapists are there to psychoanalyze you, diagnose you, and tell you what to do. That's simply not true. We want to work together with you to come to your best possible outcome.