What to Expect in Therapy
We’re so proud of you for even considering the possibility of starting therapy. Asking for help and guidance can sometimes feel challenging, especially if you’ve avoided your feelings, put on “a brave face,” or have been a chronic people-pleaser over the years. These factors, plus unfortunate societal stigma, can make therapy seem like a chore rather than an investment in yourself. Therapy starts when you’re ready for it. There are no deadlines or timelines in seeking therapeutic support.
Therapy is, in fact, an important self-investment. It’s a dedicated time and space to explore your values, challenges, strengths, patterns, and humanity. Working individually with a skilled therapist means you will not be judged or shamed for your thoughts, feelings, or behaviors. Your therapist will act as a guide and sounding board to offer insights into your experiences, help you unravel and resolve problems, and provide evidence-based skills for mental health conditions. Your therapist is human and should do their best to attune, attach, and provide refuge for you to explore setbacks and successes.
Successful therapy does not rest on only the therapist (although they should be well trained). Success largely depends on your commitment, cooperation, and investment in the therapeutic process. Clients are expected to show up consistently, participate, and collect data on how well skills work in their lives or if they need to be tweaked/reworked. You will know therapy is working when you feel validated, seen, and safe within your session and within your brain/body, there is a strong therapeutic alliance with your therapist, and things in your life that once felt insurmountable now feel manageable.
If therapy isn’t working for you or you don’t feel comfortable continuing, please be open and honest with your therapist about your feelings. We can refer you to someone else who may be a better fit, or we will collaboratively decide on a termination plan. Know that you can start/stop therapy at any time on your journey and for any reason. Even if you decide to end sessions, just the act of trying therapy can be immensely beneficial. Learning how to advocate for yourself is a crucial life skill, especially when it comes to navigating mental health care.
Above all, you should expect to feel respected, listened to, and valued within your sessions. You should expect to work hard and be challenged to make progress and beneficial changes in your life. You should expect open and honest communication and feedback from your therapist. You should expect confidentiality and transparency in the treatment process. At K&K Holistic Counseling, we uphold these expectations and standards. We place importance on the therapeutic relationship and genuinely care about our clients. If you have any questions about the process, please contact us. We’re happy to help and grateful you’re here.
