What to Expect from Your First Family Therapy Session in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Stock image of a family drawing

Beginning family therapy in Milwaukee can feel like stepping into unfamiliar territory. For many families, the decision to seek therapy is motivated by a desire to improve communication, address conflict, or support a child or adolescent who is struggling. The first session is an important opportunity to set the tone for the work ahead, establish a safe and respectful environment, and begin developing a shared understanding of the issues you wish to address.

Why Families Come to Therapy

Families in Milwaukee seek therapy for a variety of reasons—parent-child conflict, adolescent anxiety, school-related concerns, major life transitions, or unresolved patterns of communication. Each of these concerns is viewed within the larger context of the family system. In systemic therapy, no individual is considered “the problem.” Instead, we explore patterns of interaction and how each person’s behavior, beliefs, and experiences influence the whole family. This perspective can be particularly helpful in shifting from blame toward collaboration.

Preparing for the First Session

When scheduling your first session, you will receive information about location, parking, and what to bring. In my Shorewood office, I aim to create a space that is comfortable and nonjudgmental, where family members of all ages feel welcome. I often recommend that all family members living in the household attend the initial meeting. This allows us to hear each person’s perspective and begin identifying strengths and concerns together.

Before the session, I will send you an intake form or brief questionnaire to complete. This helps me understand your family’s history, current challenges, and goals for therapy. It also saves time in the first meeting, allowing us to focus on conversation rather than paperwork.

What Happens During the First Session?

The initial session is primarily about building rapport and gathering information. I will explain my role as a family therapist in Milwaukee, the confidentiality guidelines, and the limits of confidentiality—especially important when working with children and teens. We will discuss what brought you to therapy, what you have already tried to address the concerns, and what you hope will be different after our work together.

In my approach, I draw on Solution Focused Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, while always viewing concerns from a systemic perspective. This means I will be listening for your family’s strengths and resources, as well as patterns that may be contributing to the problem. I may ask questions about when the concern is less noticeable, what has worked in the past, and how each person envisions a positive change.

The Role of Each Family Member

It is common for one person to be seen as “the identified client”—the individual whose struggles prompted the call to therapy. However, in family therapy, each person’s voice matters. I will work to ensure that no one feels blamed and that everyone has an opportunity to speak and be heard. Younger children may be engaged through developmentally appropriate questions or activities, while teens are encouraged to share their perspectives directly. Parents and caregivers play a critical role in supporting change, both during sessions and at home.

Setting Goals for Therapy

By the end of the first session, we will begin to identify clear goals. These goals may be related to improving communication, reducing conflict, increasing cooperation, or supporting an individual family member’s emotional well-being. My role is to help your family translate these goals into specific, achievable steps and to monitor progress over time using outcome measures.

After the First Session

It is normal to leave the first meeting with a mix of relief and uncertainty. You may feel hopeful about having a plan, or you may realize that the process will take time. I encourage families to attend at least a few sessions before evaluating the impact of therapy. Change in relationships is often gradual, and each small shift can contribute to a larger transformation.

If you are considering family therapy in Milwaukee, know that the first session is an investment in understanding your family’s unique story. My aim is to create a respectful, collaborative environment where every member can contribute to building solutions. Whether your challenges are recent or longstanding, the first step toward change begins with a conversation. If you’re looking for help with family relationships, call me at (414) 264-7494 for a free 15 minute phone consultation.