There seems to be a lot of interest in therapy lately. TV shows, movies, and social media are chock-full of references to therapy and there are seemingly unlimited pop psychology resources circulating. While it is fantastic that psychotherapy is being destigmatized and that access to therapeutic resources is more readily available, psychotherapy is often misrepresented or overly simplified. Thus, the act of personally starting therapy can remain elusive and intimidating. In this article, I hope to demystify the process of starting therapy with me.
Research shows that the key to effective therapy is the therapeutic alliance — the relationship between you and your therapist. A strong therapeutic alliance consists of the collaboration between the therapist and client being built on trust, respect, lack of judgement, consistency, openness, and empathy. My priority is building this connection with you while also using a range of evidence-based methods tailored to your needs.
Before the Session
Before our first session, we will pick a time and day to meet weekly and you will complete some initial paperwork. I also encourage you to begin thinking about what you would like to get out of therapy — What would make therapy a success? Also, are there lingering concerns or questions on your mind? My goal is to make the transition into starting therapy safe and transparent.
Initial Sessions
In our first session, I will explain confidentiality and briefly address other administrative factors. Then, over the course of the first one to three sessions, I will want to better understand what brings you to therapy and your therapeutic goals. I will be asking a lot of questions during these initial sessions as a means of getting to know you, your history, and to establish a treatment plan. While this intake process may feel “clunky” to some, I find that it is helpful in providing guidance in session while getting comfortable in a new therapeutic space.
Ongoing Sessions
Once the intake process is complete, our sessions will likely feel more fluid and I will follow your lead regarding what is important for us to discuss. I encourage you to take an active role in session as therapy is a collaborative process. That being said, I am always there to help by providing guidance and suggesting areas of exploration. I tend to be quite proactive in session and am not shy of asking questions as a means of better understanding you and your experience.
Sessions will be focused on exploring, understanding, and navigating your experience, thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Using my training in humanistic, cognitive behavioral, trauma-informed, multiculturally competent, and strength-based methodologies, we will work towards symptom reduction, fostering growth, and moving you towards your therapeutic goals.
Outside of Session
Outside of session, it will be helpful to engage in self-reflection so that we have more “data” to work with. What are your thoughts and feelings? Were your behaviors helpful or unhelpful? What is your experience? The ultimate goal is to be able to utilize the insights and tools gained in session in your everyday life. I might also provide homework, thought exercises, or other resources.
Termination
Some people like to stay in therapy for extended periods of time to have the weekly space to reflect and work through new therapeutic goals as they arise. Others prefer to spend a shorter time in therapy and once symptoms have been reduced or a goal has been reached, they are ready to get back to life therapy-free. I welcome both approaches.
Saying goodbye can be hard but it is a natural part of therapy. It can be a meaningful process that marks the culmination of a client’s therapeutic journey. My goal is to ensure that, by the time we reach this phase, you feel equipped with the tools, self-awareness, and resilience to navigate life’s challenges independently. Together we will celebrate your growth, address any lingering questions, and create a roadmap for continued success beyond therapy. My role is to help you feel empowered and confident as you move forward, knowing you have the strength and resources to thrive.