to expect
What
Taking the step to seek therapy is often a daunting but courageous decision.
Whether you’re dealing with personal challenges, mental health issues, or simply seeking personal growth, therapy can provide invaluable support.
However, if you’re new to therapy, you might feel uncertain about what to expect during your initial sessions.
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Session length
Sessions are usually between 50 and 60 minutes in length.
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Your first session
The first therapy sessions primarily focus on your clinician getting to know you. This involves your therapist asking you general questions about your background, family, and current circumstances. This is not meant to be invasive, but rather to help your therapist understand your unique context and begin to tailor their approach to your specific needs.
In the early sessions, your therapist may also conduct assessments to better understand your mental health and emotional well-being. These assessments may involve questions about your mood, sleep patterns, eating habits, and overall lifestyle. Such evaluations are essential for identifying any potential mental health concerns and tailoring the therapy approach accordingly.
You are welcome to bring a support person with you to any of your sessions. -
Establishing Goals and Objectives
Your therapist will work with you to establish your goals and objectives. These goals will guide the course of your therapy and give both you and your therapist a sense of direction. Being open and honest about what you would like to get out of therapy will help both you and your therapist through the process.
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Treatment
Depending on the treatment approach you and your therapist agree on, sessions will usually involve helping you to explore various thoughts, feelings and behaviours, and how these impact upon you, your relationships and your mental health. Where appropriate, your therapist may also help you to explore past experiences to help you understand the contexts and ways in which your difficulties may have developed.