What to expect when starting therapy

It can be a challenging and difficult decision to begin therapy. We often find it difficult to engage in activities outside what is familiar and comfortable, especially when we do not understand how it works or what will take place. Additionally, the idea of talking with someone about the very things we often do not share with others can instigate feelings of worry, fear, anxiousness, and generally feel overwhelming. I consider the fact that you are starting therapy to be a significant accomplishment in itself. I strive to create an environment that feels comfortable, safe, and conducive to positive change. From the very beginning I work to establish a relationship that leaves you in control while I help navigate your therapeutic journey. Life is hard enough, this should make it easier.

I want to help demystify the process and answer some questions you may have below:

Therapy, counseling, psychotherapy, talk therapy, what’s the difference? While some technical differences exist in the terminology, you often hear these words used interchangeably. Whichever term you use, it will involve face to face meeting with an individual specifically trained and educated to help you through mental health related issues. How exactly that is executed will depend on you and the therapist you choose. I think it is essential to tailor our plan for therapy to your goals, needs, and problems. If you have questions or concerns you can express those in this first session, including things such as costs, scheduling, length of treatment, approaches utilized, and the therapist’s experience.
During your first appointment you will spend some time letting your therapist get to know you, review some background information, and determine a plan for future sessions. You will likely be asked to discuss your early life experiences and childhood, background, significant relationships, school or work history, past treatment, physical health concerns, important cultural, spiritual or religious practices that you may practice or believe in; Although this is a lot of information in a relatively short period of time, this is all to gain a greater sense of who you are, what is important to you and establish a foundation to build the next steps upon. While it may evolve and change throughout the course of treatment, this first session you should establish goals for treatment and general sense of how to work towards them.
If you choose to continue with your therapist, your sessions may follow a different format and should focus on issues and concerns that you have as your life continues. The beginning phases of treatment also focus on your relationship with your therapist. Therapy is a very personal activity and the relationship you are able to form with your therapist is essential to being successful. While it may take time to really feel as ease, some signs you are in the right place is that you feel comfortable talking with and sharing with that individual. You feel free from judgement, you are being respected, and that you are being heard.
My perspective is that you are the driving force behind your treatment and the role of your therapist is to help you navigate that path, ensure you get to where you need to go. You may be asked to prepare certain things or complete “homework” for the next session, ultimately it is up you what we discuss and work on.
Sessions are typically scheduled for 60 minutes and I work session to session, reevaluating with you along the way to determine the course of treatment.