Is therapy right for me?…
While some clients might come to therapy with a specific concern in mind, I am also commonly asked by new or prospective clients: "Is therapy right for me?"
Taking that first step to consider professional support can feel daunting, and it’s completely normal to wonder if your concerns are 'serious enough', what you would talk about, or what actually happens in a session. If you've been asking yourself these questions, you're not alone, and so I wanted to use the first blog post in this series to explore and unpack some of these questions.
"Are my concerns serious enough for therapy?"
It's a thought that holds so many people back - the idea that you need to be in a crisis or at rock bottom to justify coming to therapy. I often encourage people to reframe this.
Think of it like servicing your car. You don’t wait until the engine completely fails to take it to a mechanic (although sometimes this might happen). To keep it running smoothly over the long-term, you go for regular check-ups. Your mental and emotional wellbeing deserves the same proactive care.
You also don’t need a specific diagnosis to go to therapy, as anyone can benefit from having a dedicated, non-judgmental space to explore their thoughts and feelings.
"What would I even talk about?"
Sometimes people feel like they don't have one big, clear problem to discuss - and that's perfectly okay. Therapy isn't just about tackling a single issue; it's a space for exploration and growth.
I often help people navigate a wide range of life experiences, such as:
Managing daily stress, anxiety, or feelings of being overwhelmed.
Exploring parenting strategies and navigating family dynamics.
Changing difficult habits or unhelpful behaviours you feel stuck in.
Identify patterns you might not be aware are there, for example, between your emotions and food.
Finding direction and motivation when you’re feeling lost or stagnant.
Building skills to improve your relationships with others.
Finding ways to live a more meaningful and fulfilling life, aligned with your personal values.
Your job isn’t to come in with a perfect summary of your problems, and my job isn’t to tell you what to do. We can work collaboratively to explore what’s going on for you and identify new ways of thinking, responding, or behaving.
"What actually happens during a session?"
For the most part, our sessions will be talk-based. We’ll talk through your concerns to explore where they might be coming from and unpack the thoughts, beliefs, and experiences that shape how you see the world. I also incorporate somatic-based approaches, which simply means we pay attention to the powerful connection between the mind and the body and how our physical sensations can give us clues about our emotional state.
The goal is always to help you gain new insights and learn practical skills and strategies to better manage challenges and build the life you want.
"Do I have to commit to therapy long-term?"
Absolutely not. The duration of therapy is completely flexible and is tailored to you and your goals.
Some people come for just a few sessions to work on a very specific issue, like developing coping skills for a stressful period at work. Others might choose to engage in longer-term therapy to explore deeper, long-standing patterns in their life, such as difficulties in relationships or a harsh inner critic.
We will work together to figure out what feels right for you. The ultimate aim is to empower you with the tools you need, not to create a long-term dependency.
"What can I expect from my first session?"
That first appointment can feel like the biggest hurdle. I want to assure you that the first session is really just about us getting to know one another. It’s a chance for you to share a bit about what’s been on your mind and what you’re hoping to get from therapy. It’s also a chance for you to get a feel for me and how I work. There’s no pressure to dive into your deepest secrets right away. We’ll go at your pace. We'll discuss some practical things, like confidentiality, and start to map out what our work together might look like.
"Is everything I say confidential?"
Yes, absolutely. Confidentiality is the foundation of a safe and trusting therapeutic relationship. What you share in our sessions is kept strictly private. The only exceptions to this are rare and specific situations where there is a legal or ethical obligation to share information, such as if I have a serious concern for your safety or the safety of someone else. We will discuss this in detail in our first session so you can feel fully informed and secure.
"What if we don't 'click'?"
This is a really important question. The connection you have with your therapist (often called the 'therapeutic alliance’) is one of the most significant factors in whether therapy is successful. It's crucial that you feel comfortable, safe, and understood. Finding the right therapist is a personal process, and it is completely okay if the first person you see isn’t the right fit for you. If for any reason you feel we aren't the right match, I will fully support you in finding another professional who might be better suited to your needs.
Taking the first step can be the hardest part, but it’s also a powerful act of self-care. If any of this resonates with you, or if you’re simply curious to learn more, please feel free to get in touch with us using the links above.
