Starting therapy can feel exciting and nerve-wracking. Here’s a step-by-step look at what really happens in a therapy session—from your first appointment to finding the right therapist—so you know what to expect and how to make the most of it.
We’ve all been there. Life gets overwhelming, and you know you need support—but who do you call? Where do you turn? A quick internet search pulls up thousands of options at your fingertips… But who is the right fit for you? This article will help you decide.
Online therapy has opened doors for so many people. It’s accessible, convenient, and can feel less intimidating than sitting face-to-face in an office. But just because you’re meeting on screen doesn’t mean you should turn your boundaries off.
Therapy can be vulnerable—it’s kind of the point. You’re opening up about things you might not be able to share with anyone else, so when your therapist asks a deeply personal question, it can feel… confusing.
Therapy is your time. It’s where you get to unpack your thoughts, work through feelings, and figure out your next steps with someone there to guide you. So, what does it mean when your therapist keeps steering the conversation toward their own life?
Therapy is meant to be professional, supportive, and focused on your well-being. So, when your therapist starts buying you coffee, snacks, or even gifts, it might feel nice at first—and it can also be confusing.
Deciding you want to end working with your current therapist can be tough. It can bring up feelings of sadness, failure, and doubt. These difficult emotions can cause you to delay the conversation about ending therapy. Some relationships with therapists continue longer than necessary because it’s hard to end them.
Therapy often leads to profound changes, though these may not be immediately noticeable. While you may experience breakthroughs early on, most people notice subtle shifts in their thoughts and behaviors over time.
You and your therapist can exchange “friendly conversation” with each other, however, having a friendship-style relationship is not appropriate. Professional, ethical therapists are expected to keep strict client/therapist boundaries. Becoming or referring to each other as friends is considered a boundary violation.
Sometimes it’s awkward to talk about smells. So, it may feel awkward to bring up a scent your therapist is using in their office. Or, it may feel uncomfortable to mention that your therapist’s choice of cologne is bothering you. But, if it’s interfering with your ability to focus on your therapy, you have to be brave and bring it up.
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