Therapy intake is the first practical step toward healing after trauma, and thoughtful preparation can set a tone of collaboration and safety. Start by gathering essential documents: identification, insurance information, and any prior treatment records if available. Create a simple file or folder where you keep medical notes, crisis plans, and a running list of questions you want to ask. Consider drafting a concise timeline of your trauma experiences, focusing on how they affect daily functioning today rather than recounting every detail. Think about your goals for therapy and the kinds of coping strategies you want to explore. This upfront work helps therapists understand context and supports a clearer treatment plan.
In addition to paperwork, write a concise symptom summary that highlights patterns you notice most often, such as sleep disturbances, intrusive memories, mood swings, or physical reactions like rapid heart rate. Include information about frequency, duration, and triggers, as well as how symptoms interfere with work, school, or relationships. Be honest about safety concerns, including any thoughts of self-harm or harm to others, and note whether you have a safety plan or trusted people to contact in crises. If you have medications, document names and dosages. A clear symptom snapshot can inform the clinician’s assessment and help prioritize immediate safety needs.
Map out your support network and communication preferences for ongoing care.
When organizing safety information, outline crisis resources you can access. List emergency contacts, hotlines, and nearby urgent care options, along with directions to the closest hospital if needed. Include the contact information for a trusted person who knows your situation and can provide support during a crisis, such as a family member, friend, or other professional. Note any restrictive environments or triggers that would be problematic during sessions, and describe the steps you would prefer if you become overwhelmed. This level of detail helps the therapist design a session that minimizes risk while still addressing core concerns.
Another essential piece is your support network—the people who can help you stay grounded between visits. Write down names and roles, such as a partner who can help you with grounding techniques, a friend who can listen without judgment, or a supervisor who understands your needs at work. Include preferred methods of communication and boundaries for contacting you between sessions. Sharing this information with your therapist creates a collaborative safety net. It also helps the clinician tailor recommendations, like grounding exercises or sleep strategies, to fit your real-life context rather than an abstract plan.
A personal note to track growth and request reasonable accommodations.
Paperwork itself can be a barrier if it feels overwhelming, so pace your preparation wisely. Set aside a quiet time to fill out forms, perhaps in short blocks across a few days, rather than attempting to complete everything in one sitting. Read every field carefully, and don’t hesitate to ask for clarifications from the intake staff if something seems unclear. If a form asks about trauma history, you can use a brief, factual entry rather than a complete narrative. You can also note that you may need breaks or pauses during the process. Remember, clinics expect that some information will be sensitive and private.
As you complete the intake forms, consider writing a personal note to yourself about what you hope to achieve through therapy. This note can be revisited after sessions begin to track progress, reassessing goals and adjusting expectations. It helps you stay oriented toward healing even when memories surface or emotions feel heavy. If you fear being overwhelmed during intake, mention this to the staff so accommodations can be made, such as shorter form sections or the option to submit information later. Self-awareness during documentation is a strength, not a vulnerability.
Provide medical history, medications, and prior treatment insights for context.
When describing symptoms, avoid overloading a single paragraph; break information into discrete observations that a clinician can parse quickly. Include how symptoms change with different circumstances, such as after a bad day at work or following a loud stimulus. Note sleep patterns, appetite, concentration, and energy levels in relation to mood shifts. If you have dissociation or flashbacks, describe the context and any safety strategies you currently use. The goal is to provide a practical map of experiences that helps the therapist identify patterns, strengths, and areas needing targeted intervention.
Documentation should also cover medical history, including any chronic illnesses, surgeries, or allergies that could influence therapy. List current medications with dosages and any substances you use regularly, whether prescribed or over the counter. Include recent lab results or doctor notes if relevant. If you have had previous mental health treatment, summarize what worked, what didn’t, and any barriers you encountered. This information avoids redundant questions and allows the clinician to build on what you already know about yourself, rather than starting from scratch.
Draft a practical safety plan with crisis contacts and boundaries.
For safety concerns, describe what creates a sense of safety for you. This could be predictable session structures, grounding techniques, or having a trusted adult present during intense moments. If you require a slower pace or permission to pause, state it clearly. Shared safety agreements help both you and the therapist feel secure and respected. Outline steps you would like the therapist to take if you become overwhelmed, such as a grounding prompt, a breath exercise, or a short break. Concrete plans reduce uncertainty and support therapeutic risk management.
Draft a layperson-friendly version of your safety plan, including crisis contacts and protective boundaries. Explain what supports you need to feel secure during and after sessions, and how you want to handle disclosures or difficult topics. If you have a history of self-harm, describe the circumstances under which you would seek immediate care and the preferred modalities for crisis intervention. This clarity protects you and empowers the therapist to act in alignment with your values and safety preferences.
Finally, verify that your contact information is current and accessible. Confirm phone numbers, emails, and any alternative contact methods, such as a secure messaging app your clinic accepts. If you have a preferred contact time, specify it so clinicians can respect your boundaries. Ensure you’ve provided consent for information sharing with the people you designate for support. Clear permissions help your care team coordinate effectively while protecting your privacy. Prior to your first appointment, review the intake materials to ensure you understand them, and prepare any questions about scheduling, therapy modality, or anticipated timelines.
Before your session, do a quick personal check-in to assess readiness. Note any fears about sharing vulnerable experiences and remind yourself that clinicians are trained to listen nonjudgmentally and safeguard confidentiality. If you feel uncertain, practice a brief grounding exercise, such as naming five things you can see, four you can touch, three you can hear, two you can smell, and one you can taste. This ritual can reduce anxiety and help you enter the session with a calmer mind. Remember, the intake process is a collaborative step toward healing, not a test you must pass alone.
