Thinking About Therapy? Here’s What You Need to Know

Deciding to start therapy can feel like a big step, especially if you’re not sure what to expect. You might have questions, concerns, or even some hesitation. That’s completely normal! This post will walk you through common myths about therapy, what your first session might look like, and how therapy can help with different concerns.

Common Myths About Therapy

There are a lot of misconceptions about therapy that can make people hesitant to reach out. Let’s break down a few:

• Therapy is only for people with serious mental health issues. Therapy is for everyone. While it can be incredibly helpful for people experiencing anxiety, depression, or trauma, it’s also a great tool for personal growth, improving relationships, and navigating life transitions.

• Talking to a therapist is like talking to a friend. While friends can offer support, therapists are trained professionals who use evidence-based techniques to help you process emotions, recognize patterns, and develop coping strategies.

• Therapy is all about the past. While some approaches explore past experiences, therapy also focuses on the present and future. It helps clients gain insight and build tools to navigate life now.

• Therapists tell you what to do. A therapist won’t give you a step-by-step guide to fixing your problems, but they will help you explore different perspectives, identify solutions, and develop skills to make empowered choices.

• Therapy takes years to see results. The length of therapy varies depending on the individual and their goals. Some people find short-term therapy beneficial, while others prefer longer-term support.

What to Expect in Your First Session

Before your first full session, we will have a free 15-minute consultation. This allows us to briefly discuss what you’re looking for in therapy and see if we’re a good fit. If you decide to move forward, here’s what the first session will typically cover:

• Confidentiality & Privacy: We’ll go over the limits of confidentiality and ensure you understand how your information is protected.

• Reasons for Seeking Counseling: We’ll discuss what led you to therapy and any specific concerns or challenges you’re facing.

• Intentions & Goals: We’ll talk about what you hope to gain from therapy and set some initial goals.

• Assessment of Life Functioning: We’ll explore different areas of your life (work, relationships, emotional well-being) to get a sense of where you may need the most support.

• Support Network: We’ll identify people in your life who offer support and how they impact your well-being.

This session helps lay the foundation for our work together and ensures we create a space that meets your needs.

How Therapy Can Help

Therapy has been extensively researched, and the benefits are well-documented. Here are just a few ways therapy can make a difference:

• Managing Anxiety & Depression: Studies show that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be as effective as medication for treating anxiety and depression (Hofmann et al., 2012).

• Improving Relationships: Emotionally focused therapy (EFT) has been found to help 70-75% of couples move from distress to recovery (Johnson et al., 1999).

• Healing from Trauma: Research shows that trauma-focused therapy can significantly reduce PTSD symptoms (Watts et al., 2013).

• Boosting Self-Esteem & Confidence: Therapy can help challenge negative self-talk and build a more compassionate self-view.

• Navigating Life Transitions: Whether it’s a career change, a breakup, or adjusting to a new culture, therapy provides a safe space to process emotions and gain clarity.

Therapy is not a one-size-fits-all process. The right approach will depend on your unique needs, but the overarching goal is to provide support, tools, and strategies to help you thrive.

Ready to Take the First Step?

If you’re considering therapy, I invite you to book a free 15-minute consultation to see if we’re a good fit. Therapy is a journey, and finding the right therapist is an important part of that process. Whether you’re looking for guidance through a challenging time or seeking personal growth, support is available.

You don’t have to navigate life’s challenges alone. Let’s take this step together.