What to Expect When Starting Therapy
Taking the first leap towards your own healing journey with a therapist is not an easy feat. The desire for self exploration and knowing, for doing the hard work can be daunting. It takes courage, perseverance, and trust. But this is why you are here. Possessing the inner resources to examine the self and heal from the wounds of your past, you are seeking out support. As difficult as it is to move forward with the process, it is even more difficult to do it alone. With the completed first step of accepting the support, we are left with the questions of “now what?”; “What can I expect from the process?”; “What can I ask for?”.
The process of therapy is a unique one, blended with the specific experiences of both therapist and client. The empowering part of it is that it is collaborative and you have great influence over the process. In saying this, we, as therapists, encourage you to explore your own needs, hopes, and wishes when choosing your therapist and doing the work with your therapist. From there you can listen to your answers to questions of, “does this therapist and their process align with me?” and, “what kind of shifts can take place to better suit my needs”. What’s more is this transparency with your therapist can assist in developing better therapeutic relationships.
Choosing a therapist
You have made a consultation. Now what? Consultations are great ways to determine alignment and compatibility. It is helpful to come prepared with your own inquiries and needs in mind. Although past experience with therapy can provide insight into what you like and don’t like, being completely new to the experience can be an opportunity to offer openness to exploration.
From a short fifteen minute consultation, you can expect the therapist to tell you a bit about themselves and the practice, and for them to ask you:
Whether you have had prior experience with therapy
What brings you to therapy
What your hopes and expectations are in terms of content, modality, or duration
The therapist will also ask for your input and this is your opportunity to speak your needs.
What is the therapist’s experience with your :
Presenting concern?
Cultural position and membership(s)?
What is the therapist’s therapeutic style?
After this, reflect with yourself whether your values align, whether you feel they can support you in the work the way you need, and if you felt heard and understood during this time. Feel free to take your time and explore your options to find the right fit for you.
First session
Now you have chosen a therapist to move forward with. First sessions continue the work of the consultation. As you continue getting to know one another and how you work together, continue to reflect and share.
Initial sessions are a good places to outline timelines and relevant concerns to your therapist. While this allows the therapist to understand your story and determine how to provide appropriate support, this allows you to notice their presence, receptiveness, and acceptance. Check in with yourself. What is wanted more or less of? Are you comfortable sharing what you are experiencing? Are they receiving your story in a non judgmental space?
After the initial session is a great time to turn within. Give yourself the time and space to absorb the session - its energy and the feedback received. How did it make you feel? Did it spark curiosity within yourself? What would you like to further explore? And how can you take and apply what was discussed in session, outside of the room? Feel free to jot this down and, if comfortable, express this to your therapist.
Courage is not always toughness. Rather, through tenderness, compassion, and understanding can we also find spaces for power. Trusting yourself and your intuition will be helpful while choosing a therapist and beginning to do the inner work. Embrace the success of how far you have come.
Feeling ready? Book here for a free 15 minute consultation.
