It largely depends on the approach that your therapist or counselor practices. The Freudian couch that many clients expect to find has become, to a large extent, part of history. Today the majority of psychotherapists invite their client to sit rather than lie down (although conventional psychoanalysts still exist). At the first meeting most therapists will encourage you to introduce yourself, say a little about your story and the question that brought you to them, as well as to ask any questions you might have about the professional and his or her approach. Usually the first meeting already brings some relief and clarity, due to the possibility to open up and from the respectful attention of the psychotherapist or counselor. At the end of the first session, I (and a lot of my colleagues) discuss the general plan and conditions of our future work (see What does “setting mean in therapy”?)
There are special methods available in psychotherapy, such as body therapy, dance/movement therapy, art therapy and others. They have a solid theoretic and experimental basis and can be not less but even more effective in some cases compared to the traditional “talking” therapy. If such methods are to be used the space can differ greatly from what is expected. For example, I conduct dance/movement therapy in a big hall with cushions of all sizes, cloths, play-dough, paint, balls and other special instruments. However the first meeting is usually held in a more neutral environment that helps us to get to know each other. There we discuss methods that would serve us best.
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