Therapy Explained: What To Expect and Where to Begin

Therapy is a process that can help individuals overcome mental health challenges, cope with difficult emotions, and improve their overall well-being. However, the idea of therapy can be intimidating, especially for those who have never tried it before. In this blog post, we will explore what to expect from therapy and where to begin.

What is Therapy?

Therapy is a form of treatment that involves meeting with a mental health professional to work through emotional, behavioral, or psychological challenges. The goal of therapy is to help individuals develop coping mechanisms, gain insight into their emotions and behaviors, and ultimately, improve their mental health and well-being.

What to Expect from Therapy

When you begin therapy, the first session will likely be an assessment to determine your goals and needs. The therapist will ask questions about your personal and family history, current mental health status, and any symptoms or challenges you may be experiencing. This information helps the therapist develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

Once the assessment is complete, therapy sessions will typically occur on a regular basis, according to the availability of you and your therapist. During these sessions, you will work with your therapist to explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Your therapist will provide support, guidance, and feedback as you work to address your challenges and reach your goals.

It's important to note that therapy is a collaborative process. You and your therapist will work together to develop treatment goals and determine the best approach for achieving those goals. It may take time to see progress, and there may be challenges along the way, but with patience and persistence, therapy can be a powerful tool for personal growth and healing.

Forms of Therapy

Face-to-face therapy involves meeting with a mental health professional in person. It allows one to create a bigger sense of trust and profit from nonverbal communication. It also helps to develop some structure and routine.

While online therapy is conducted virtually, typically through video conferencing, phone calls, or messaging apps. It offers greater flexibility and convenience, but lacks nonverbal communication and may have technical difficulties.

Despite all the advantages of face-to-face therapy, some people can feel uncomfortable or vulnerable in a face-to-face setting, making it difficult to open up and share their emotions. Another benefit of online therapy is the time and financial availability.

Where to Begin with Therapy

If you're interested in starting therapy, the first step is to find a mental health professional. This can involve researching therapists in your area, asking for recommendations from friends or family, or seeking a referral from your primary care physician. Sometimes you will have no choice but to call psychologists in your area and see who is available. In the end, though, what matters most is how you match up with the therapist in question as two people.

Once you've found a therapist, schedule an initial appointment to discuss your needs and goals. It's important to feel comfortable and safe with your therapist, so don't be afraid to ask questions and communicate openly about your concerns.