Starting Therapy: Your Frequently Asked Questions Answered
Starting counselling or psychotherapy is a significant step towards improving your mental and emotional well-being, but it can also be a daunting one and often comes with questions and uncertainties. I’ve tried to answer some of the more common ones below, but I’ve missed any, please feel free to reach out.
What is therapy, and how does it work?
Therapy, also known as counseling or psychotherapy, is a collaborative process between a trained therapist and an individual seeking help. It involves talking about your thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a safe and confidential environment. Therapists use various therapeutic approaches to help you understand and manage your emotions, thoughts, and behaviors, ultimately promoting personal growth and well-being.
Do I need therapy?
Therapy can be beneficial for anyone experiencing emotional distress, life challenges, or seeking personal growth. You don't need to have a diagnosed mental health condition to benefit from therapy. If you're struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, self-esteem, or any other life concern, therapy can provide valuable support and tools.
How do I find the right therapist?
Finding the right therapist is crucial to your therapy experience. All of the research indicates that the single most important element to successful psychotherapy is quality of the relationship that you form with your therapist. This is something that I ensure that my clients understand from their very first session. Here are some tips to consider when you’re looking at starting therapy.
Research: Look for therapists in your area or online, and read their profiles to see if their expertise and approach align with your needs.
Ask for recommendations: Friends, family, or your GP can provide recommendations based on their experiences or professional knowledge.
Shop Around: Don’t be afraid to change therapists if you feel that the person you are with is not a good fit for you. I always encourage my clients to ensure that they feel comfortable with me throughout our time together.
Is therapy confidential?
Yes, therapy is completely confidential, which I believe is the one of the key elements that differentiates a client/therapist relationship to that of any other relationship in our lives. There are very few conversations that we can know that NOTHING leaves the room. Therapists are bound by strict confidentiality and privacy rules. They cannot disclose your information without your consent, except in cases where there is a risk of harm to yourself or others.
How long does therapy last?
The duration of therapy varies widely. Some people find resolution to their concerns in a few sessions, while others may engage in longer-term therapy. It depends on your goals, the nature of your concerns, and your progress.
What can I expect in my first therapy session?
Clients can often be very apprehensive before their first session, particularly if therapy is something that is new to them. My aim in our first session is to make you feel as comfortable as possible and get to know each other. It is your space to give me a sense of what brings you to therapy and what you would like to achieve together.