Starting Therapy

First of all, congratulations! If you’re reading this post, you are likely thinking about starting your therapy journey. The first step is usually the hardest. And here you are.

If you’ve been thinking about starting therapy you may be feeling a bit overwhelmed on where to start. This post is a few tips on things to consider when starting your therapy journey.

1. Utilize the free consultations (if offered). Most therapists offer a free consultation for about 15 minutes. This is a great opportunity to ask questions, get a sense of how the therapist communicates and see if their style is a good fit for your needs. Therapy is not a one size fits all experience, and not every therapist will be your cup of tea. A good therapist knows that the fit between therapist and client is just as (if not more) important than the type of therapy when it comes to positive outcomes. It’s OK to speak to a few before making a decision.
2. Think about why you are starting therapy now. What are you hoping to learn or change? Are you hoping to start feeling better and change old patterns? Don’t worry if you don’t know this answer when you start. Your therapist can help you figure it out.
3. It’s OK to feel nervous. If you’re starting to work with a new therapist, or starting therapy for the first time it’s OK to feel nervous. Remember, the first session is really about getting to know each other, getting to know the presenting issues and helps the therapist begin to formulate an assessment which helps to make a treatment plan.
4. Consider what type of therapy you’re looking for. Virtual, In-Person, Eco-Therapy are all options that some therapists may provide. Each have benefits and drawbacks. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Therapy is a combination of working with someone you feel comfortable enough to be made uncomfortable. (May have to read that twice). Therapy allows clients to get very honest with themself, become more self aware and make changes that positive impact their wellbeing and life. If a certain style of therapy isn’t working, it is OK to let your therapist know. It’s their job to help find the right therapy to help you reach your goals.

Wishing you a wonderful journey of self exploration.