The First Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Session

This dissertation seeks to elucidate the manner in which psychoanalytic psychotherapists conduct initial interviews. Using a qualitative research method, this study involved the collection and analysis of data generated from interviews conducted with eight psychoanalytically-trained psychotherapists regarding their approaches and practices during the first psychotherapy session. the data gathered from interviews with psychotherapists served to elucidate and deepen understanding of the first therapy session. the major themes regarding the first session which are explored and discussed in this study include: (1) therapist's goals and objectives in the first session, (2) the initial phone contact, (3) greeting the new patient and opening the first session, (4) building the therapeutic relationship, (5) assessing the patient, (6) self-disclosure and handling personal questions in a first session, (7) countertransference, and (8) establishing the therapy contract.