Starting Therapy: What to Expect

Starting therapy can feel intimidating, especially if it's your first time. It's natural to have questions about the process and what to expect.

What can you expect when starting therapy and how you can prepare for a successful experience?

1. The First Session:
Your first therapy session is an opportunity to get to know your therapist and discuss the challenges you're facing. During this session, your therapist will likely ask you questions about your background, mental health history, and what you hope to achieve through therapy. Don’t worry if you’re feeling nervous—this is just the beginning of the therapeutic relationship, and it’s normal to feel unsure.

2. Setting Goals for Therapy:
One of the key components of therapy is setting goals. Your therapist will help you identify what you want to work on and create a plan for how to achieve it. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, or personal relationships, therapy provides a space to set realistic, measurable goals that will guide your healing journey.

3. The Therapeutic Process:
As you continue with therapy, you’ll explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors more deeply. You may uncover patterns that have been influencing your life in ways you didn’t realize. The therapist will help you identify these patterns, understand their origins, and work with you to create positive change.

4. Confidentiality and Trust:
Confidentiality is one of the fundamental principles of therapy. What you discuss in therapy stays between you and your therapist (with a few exceptions related to safety). It’s important to build trust with your therapist, as this relationship is essential for healing. You should always feel comfortable discussing your feelings and concerns.

5. The Duration of Therapy:
Therapy can last anywhere from a few sessions to several months, depending on your goals and the issues you're addressing. Some people attend therapy for a specific issue, while others may work with a therapist for ongoing personal growth. You and your therapist will regularly check in to see how you're progressing and adjust the plan as needed.