A Guide for Clients – What to Expect When Starting Psychotherapy

If you are here, I want to thank you for taking the courageous step to prioritize your mental health and well-being. Embarking on a journey of therapy can be exciting and nerve wracking. It’s a journey that could aid your personal growth yet also require you to be vulnerable. An interesting fact that may calm the nerves is that every therapist is human first and has most probably done their own work at some point or another and therefore, knows how uncomfortable it can sometimes be to feel vulnerable. While every therapy experience is unique, there are some common aspects most clients can expect when beginning therapy, in this blog post, we’ll explore what you can anticipate as a client and how to make the most out of your therapeutic journey.

 1)    Feeling Nervous is a Normal Part of the Process

 It’s completely normal to feel nervous when starting psychotherapy. Embarking on a journey of self-discovery and address personal challenges can bring up a range of emotions, including anxiety and nervousness. It’s important to remember that these feelings are a natural response to stepping into the unknown and engaging in a deeply personal process.

2)    Therapy for Wellness, Not Just Illness.

 Therapy is not exclusive to those who are unwell or experiencing difficulties. You can begin therapy at any point, regardless of your current state of well-being. Therapy can be a proactive step towards wellness rather than a reactive response to illness. It’s easier to prevent than to react and engaging in therapy equips you with tools to improve relationships and effectively navigate challenges as they arise.

3)    Confidentiality

Your communication with your therapist is treated with utmost confidentiality as confidentiality is a fundamental aspect of therapy. Your therapist is ethically and legally bound to maintain confidentiality of your sessions. This means that information your share, whether it’s about your thoughts feelings or personal experiences will be kept strictly confidential. Your therapist will discuss the confidentiality agreement and address any limitations that may apply during your initial session. They will provide you with all the necessary information to ensure that you feel safe and reassured, knowing that your conversations will be kept private.

4)    Honesty Fuels Successful Therapy

 As humans we all have things that are difficult to share. Let’s admit it, being vulnerable is difficult and something we have been programmed against however that is where the healing comes from. When it comes to therapy, honesty truly is the best policy. Honesty in this context means more than just speaking the truth, it involves a willingness to explore and acknowledge your thoughts, feelings, and experiences authentically. By sharing your innermost thoughts and emotions without reservation, you allow your therapist to gain a deeper understanding of your unique circumstances, enabling them to provide tailored guidance and support.

 Opening up and being truthful about things that are difficult is hard which is why we prioritize creating a safe, welcoming and judgement free space for you to disclose whatever it is you want to disclose. Just remember communication is key, and honesty is the best policy even when it comes to asking any questions you may have about the therapeutic journey.

 5)    Goals for Therapy

Think about your goals for therapy, and don’t worry if you don’t know for sure! Remember there is no “right” reason to seek therapy as everyone’s goals and needs are unique. Discovering your goals in part of the therapeutic process and therapists are skilled at helping clients navigate through confusion and uncertainties that come at the start of therapy and provide support as you explore and define your own unique therapeutic goals.

6)    Finding the Right Therapist

It is important to know that you’re not obligated to continue with the first therapist you meet. The first session is not a lifelong commitment, so try not to place excessive pressure on it to be perfect or to feel obligated to continue if it wasn’t a good fit for you. Remember therapy is all about the therapeutic relationship and its critical to find a therapist with whom you feel comfortable and connected. You can explore other therapists if the first one doesn't feel right for you. Shop around and explore your options!

 7)    Sometimes Therapy is Not Enjoyable.

 Very much like gym, it is not uncommon for things to get worse before they get better. Remember, progress is never linear and slow and that huge epiphanies are rare. There is a likelihood that some discomfort may come up while untangling deep rooted patterns or the years old knot that developed in your childhood as you have gotten used to the knot. Give yourself some compassion and kindness and most importantly time. Push through the discomfort and you will arrive at a much clearer space.

8)    Exploring Personal History & Childhood Experiences

Expect to discuss your personal history and childhood experiences during therapy. Our childhood experiences, whether they lean towards traumatic or more positive, shape us into beautifully complex individuals as adults. The challenges we encounter in the present often stem from past events. It is likely that you will explore these experiences in therapy as part of the process.

9)    Openness and Acceptance: No Topic is Taboo

 No topic is off-limits in therapy. We offer a safe and non-judgmental space for you to share your experiences, whether they involve sensitive subjects like sex, drugs, difficult experiences, anger, or fears or even casuals subjects like the most recent argument with a sibling. Whenever you're ready and no matter what the topic, we're here to listen and support you.

 10)  Real Life Practice Ground

 Therapy provides a unique opportunity to practice various forms of communication that may be more challenging in real-life situations. It's a safe space where you can experiment with standing up for yourself, engaging in arguments, offering apologies, or being vulnerable. Feel free to challenge your therapist and use therapy as a practice ground for scenarios like ending a toxic friendship, negotiating a raise, openly acknowledging your flaws, or expressing anger.

 11) Create Space for Your Session: Clearing Time for Your Well-Being

 To fully benefit from your therapy session, it's important to carve out dedicated time and create a supportive environment. Prior to your appointment, consider taking the following steps: switch your phone to silent mode, inform anyone who might need to reach you that you'll be momentarily unavailable, and avoid scheduling any immediate commitments after your session. You might discover that allowing some time for decompression afterward is beneficial, even if it's just half an hour.

 12) Enhance Your Therapy Experience: Journaling for Optimal Growth

 Much of the transformative work in therapy extends beyond the confines of the therapy room. To maximize the benefits of your therapeutic journey, consider incorporating journaling into your practice. After each session, take a moment to reflect and record key insights.

13) Therapy as a Team: Collaboration for Progress

 At Tranquillum, we believe therapy is a collaborative journey where both the client and therapist work together to foster growth and achieve positive outcomes. Active participation in each session plays a vital role in creating a valuable therapeutic experience. Embrace the opportunity to ask questions, openly communicate, and share your thoughts and experiences. Together, we can achieve meaningful progress as a team.

Starting psychotherapy is an important step towards personal growth and well-being. Remember that nervousness is normal, confidentiality is ensured, honesty fuels progress, and therapy is a collaborative effort. Embrace the journey, trust the process, and make the most out of your therapeutic experience