Are You New to Therapy?

If you are new to therapy, you might be wondering what the process is like. You might also be feeling cautious and unsure. It’s totally normal. We often have these ideas and expectations about counselling and psychotherapy from what we see in the media. I’ve worked with clients who have been to therapy before and clients who are new to therapy. If you are curious, here’s an introduction to what the journey is like when we work together.

What’s most important is that you find someone who is a good fit for you. That’s because all of us have different life experiences and personalities, even us therapists. Therefore, every therapist has their unique approach.

Discovery call

That said, before we meet either in person or online, you can choose for us to spend some time on the phone or text your initial queries. A phone call likely takes 15 minutes, and we both get a feel for talking to each other. We will also talk a bit more about the fees and what brings you to therapy. It might feel awkward to talk to a stranger. But what you can look for is whether the therapist, me, listens to your concerns. I will also assess whether I have something to offer that can help so that our time together is fruitful for you. Different issues require different skills or approaches. So, if I don’t feel confident that I have something that could benefit you, I can direct someone who is better matched for you. 

Initial session

In the initial session, we will have a deeper conversation on why you want counselling. We will also do some paperwork, discuss confidentiality and its limits, and discuss your hopes and goals for our work together. We will explore your expectations about therapy, whether you are new to therapy or not. 

With the information shared, I will be able to tailor a plan that supports you best. Remember that when you share more information, I’m able to have a clearer picture of what you are going through. At the same time, I am aware that I am new to you, so remember that it is okay to share what you are comfortable with. I will also suggest a recommended frequency while considering what is manageable for you. We can discuss the fees further if needed.

Counselling process 

For many people, having three to five sessions helps them get a better sense of the journey together. Whether in the initial session or later, I will be asking questions about your current circumstances, be it your work, health, family and so on. We will also talk more about your family dynamics and important events in your life. My work is also trauma-informed, and I will check in about the pace of our work to see if it works for you. Sometimes, I will ask hard questions and challenge you gently. 

As therapists, we don’t make decisions for you. As your therapist, I hope to create a safe space that encourages self-reflection and deepens your self-awareness. I guide you to connect with your inner wisdom to make life choices. Depending on your needs, I will provide psychoeducation and explore with you coping skills that suit you. These are aimed at helping you cope with current challenges and gaining a better understanding of your experiences. The therapy process is largely driven by your motivation and willingness, and the number of sessions will be determined by your history, goals, desires, and needs. 

Last but not least, there is room for bringing all parts of being human to therapy, whether they are serious discussions or moments of shared laughter. Most importantly, we will always move at a pace that feels comfortable for you. If you are new to therapy, I hope this helps to demystify the process so that you feel a little more at ease about what takes place in counselling. Here are FAQs that you might also find helpful.