What to Expect When Searching for a Therapist and Beginning Therapy
Have you ever felt like you needed someone to talk to, but didn’t quite know where to start? Or maybe you’ve already taken that first step and decided to search for a therapist, but the process feels daunting and overwhelming. You might be wondering, “What can I expect from this experience? Will it be worth it?” These are all valid questions that many people have when considering therapy.
In this blog post, I will provide some simple tips and guidelines to understand what you can expect when searching for a therapist and beginning therapy. We will go through the process step-by-step, from deciding to seek help to finding the right therapist, to actually starting therapy sessions. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of what the journey looks like and feel more confident in taking that first step.
Choosing to Seek Help
The first step in seeking therapy is acknowledging that you need help. This can be a challenging realization, but it is courageous and essential. You may be experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression or going through a difficult life transition, and that’s okay. Seeking support from a therapist means that you are taking action towards bettering your mental health.
In many cases, people hesitate to seek therapy because of the stigma that surrounds it. However, seeking mental health treatment is becoming increasingly normalised, and it’s something to be proud of. You are taking responsibility for your mental and emotional wellbeing, and that is commendable.
Finding the Right Therapist
Once you have decided to seek therapy, the next step is finding a therapist who can support you through your journey. One of the best ways to find a therapist is through Psychology Today’s Find a Therapist tool. This tool allows you to filter your search based on specific criteria such as location, specialisation and insurance coverage.
It’s important to think about what you need in a therapist. For example, you may want someone who is LGBTQ+ friendly or specialises in trauma therapy. Once you have found a few potential therapists, reach out to them to ask any questions and get to know them better. You can also check their website or social media platforms to learn more about them and their practice.
Starting Therapy Sessions
Starting therapy sessions can be nerve-wracking, but it’s essential to remember that therapy is a safe space where you can be vulnerable. Your therapist’s priority is to create a safe and supportive environment that allows you to feel comfortable enough to open up and explore your thoughts and feelings.
In early sessions, your therapist will likely ask you some basic questions to get to know you better and understand the reason for your seeking therapy. This is also an opportunity for you to ask questions and get to know your therapist better. It may take a few sessions to build rapport and feel more comfortable opening up, but trust that it will happen over time.
FAQs
Q: What should I expect from my first therapy session?
A: During your first therapy session, your therapist will want to get to know you better and understand the reason you are seeking therapy. You will also have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have and get to know your therapist better.
Q: How do I know if a therapist is right for me?
A: It’s important to find a therapist that you feel comfortable opening up to and can support you through your journey. Take the time to get to know potential therapists and ask any questions to ensure that they are the right match for you.
Q: How long does therapy last?
A: The length of therapy depends on your specific needs and goals. Some people may only need a few sessions, while others may benefit from longer-term treatment.
Q: Can I switch therapists if I’m not happy with my current one?
A: Yes, you can switch therapists if you’re not happy with your current one. It’s important to find the right match for you and your mental health journey.
Table
| Psychology Today Find a Therapist | Intent | Keyword Density | User |
|———————————-|——–|—————-|——|
| Find a Therapist | Search | High | Mental health professionals, individuals seeking therapy |
| Specialisation | Filter | Medium | Individuals seeking therapy |
| LGBTQ+ Friendly | Filter | Low | LGBTQ+ individuals seeking therapy |
| Trauma Therapy | Filter | Low | Individuals seeking therapy |
| Therapy Length | Query | Low | Individuals seeking therapy |
psychology today find a therapist
What to expect when searching for a therapist and beginning therapy
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