Many beginner therapists, especially those new to practice or without a specific therapeutic approach, often struggle with building a strong connection during the first session. This can lead to feelings of anxiety, insecurity, and uncertainty about what to say or do. As a result, clients may leave feeling misunderstood or not fully supported, and, in many cases, they may not return for a second session. This disconnect can significantly impact the therapist's confidence and their ability to build a successful practice, leading to low client retention and limited therapeutic progress. Starting Strong: Essential Do's and Don'ts for Your First Therapy Session to Keep Clients Coming Back is designed to address this common challenge for beginner therapists. Through Adriana Santos McCulloch's practical insights and real-world experiences, this book provides clear, actionable steps to help therapists make a lasting, positive impact in the first session. By learning how to create a welcoming, safe, and effective environment, therapists can build confidence and ensure that clients feel heard, valued, and motivated to return for future sessions, setting the stage for long-term success in therapy. Starting Strong not only shares proven techniques but also includes advice on managing your own insecurities and emotional state as a therapist, ensuring you're fully present for each session. This book is for therapists seeking confidence in their first therapy sessions, especially those having trouble maintaining and retaining clients after the initial meeting. By following the guidance in Starting Strong, you'll learn how to connect with clients effectively from the start, creating an environment where they feel understood and eager to continue their therapy journey with you.