The first session usually takes 2 hours as a detailed case is taken, where the patient is asked not only about their physical symptoms but also about their general life style, their food likes and dislikes, how they respond to different weather conditions, their hobbies, and if they have any conflicts or stresses in their lives.
The homeopath is trying to build up a complete picture of that person and how they function in the world. People often find that the case taking itself is a very healing process for them.