What to expect
Starting therapy can be a bit of a nerve wracking experience- having to navigate a new person, a new place, potential expectations, a big time commitment and not always cheap. Many people seek therapy at a point in their life where things are already feeling overwhelming and they are feeling more fragile than usual. It feels a little unfair then the thing you know will help can then feel like a strange and uncomfortable hurdle.
I often go over these points over the phone when first speaking to a potential client or parent of a child who is struggling, but thought it may be useful to have a step by step guide of what to expect when starting out with a new therapist.
The First Step
Most people start by reaching out via email or contact form from one of my listings online. Some people provide lots of information, others very little. Either approach is fine. From there, I’ll usually arrange a short, free chat over the phone. This is a chance for us to talk over what has bought you to therapy, for you to ask questions, and to see if it feels like a good fit. You don’t need to be armed with a clear story or list of problems. It’s enough to say, “I’m finding things hard right now,” or “I’m not quite sure what’s going on, but I know I need some support.” From there we can schedule in your first session and meet properly in person.
What Happens in Sessions?
In your weekly sessions, you’ll have space to talk, reflect, and explore at your own pace. You might find yourself speaking about recent events, long-standing feelings, dreams, childhood memories, or difficult relationships. As a psychodynamic therapist, I’ll help you notice links between past and present, understand patterns that might be shaping your life, and gently explore what’s going on beneath the surface.
Some weeks might feel really productive. Others might feel slower, or even frustrating but that’s okay. Therapy isn’t linear, but its cumulative effect can be really profound. It’s a process of getting to know yourself more deeply, and that takes time, care, and patience.
Some people like to journal between sessions, or arrive with topics that have been on their mind during the week. Others prefer to just free form and see where they end up. I always think you end up where you need to be, even if it takes a long and winding route to get there!
A Space That’s Just for You
One of the most valuable things about therapy is that it’s your space, one that is free from judgement, expectations, or pressure to be anything other than who you are in that moment. Over time, many people find it helps them feel more grounded, more self-aware, and better able to make sense of their thoughts and emotions.
In a therapy session the most fundamental aim is to create an environment which feels secure, supportive and collaborative for the client. I believe that the most important aspect of the therapeutic process to to ensure that the client feels as though they can be their most authentic selves and that they feel no conversations are 'off the table'. I invite my clients to get comfortable, move around if they need to, speak in their own words and feel safe that everything is entirely confidential.
If you’re thinking about starting therapy, you’re already on the path. You don’t have to do it alone, and you don’t have to have it all figured out. Just bringing your curiosity and honesty is more than enough.