If you’ve ever wondered, “What is therapy?” Or you’re thinking about taking that first step, but not sure what to expect – this blog is for you.
Today we’re diving into the basics: what really happens in therapy and what your journey might look like. This is the first blog of a new series covering all your questions and doubts about therapy.
Prefer to listen? Just click on the video below!
What is Therapy?
So what exactly is therapy? Simply put, it’s a safe space for healing, growth, and change. Therapy and counseling are used interchangeably, and I like to think of myself as a guide who holds up a mirror – helping you see your strengths, beliefs, thought patterns, and emotions more clearly. It’s about increasing your self-awareness, building resilience, and empowering you to create the life you want.
Let’s bust some myths. Therapy isn’t lying on a couch talking about your feelings all day, and I’m not going to give you advice like a friend would. You can get advice from family and friends – therapy goes much deeper. We help you discover what’s already inside you, both the helpful parts and the challengin parts, so you can make lasting changes.
There are different formats: individual one-on-one sessions, couples therapy, family therapy, and group therapy where you work with others facing similar challenges.
As for approaches, there are many options. Talk therapy includes CBT, DBT, psychodynamic, solution-focused therapy and many more. Beyond talk therapy, there’s EMDR, expressive arts, mindfulness-based approaches, somatic work, and many others.
Here’s something important: therapy isn’t just for crisis situations. We all have support systems, coping skills, and healthy habits that usually get us through tough times. But sometimes these aren’t enough – maybe your support system isn’t available, or you’re using all your tools but still struggling with anxiety, stress, or trauma symptoms. That’s when therapy can provide that extra layer of support.
What to Expect in Your First Session
Here’s what to expect in your first session. Your first session will likely be an intake. You’ll complete paperwork – either beforehand online or when you arrive. I want to understand your current challenges, get a brief background of your history, and discuss your goals and expectations. Most importantly, we need to see if you’re a good fit for each other.
Your therapist will explain confidentiality, how sessions work, and policies for cancellations and no-shows. Feeling nervous or uncertain is completely normal – you’re in a new environment with a new person, and it takes time to get comfortable.
What Happens in Ongoing Sessions
As we continue, sessions typically follow a structure: check-in, working on your goals or challenges, then wrapping up. Some therapists assign homework or things to practice between sessions. Over time, we’ll go deeper into what you want to work on.
Your role is active – your therapist is here to guide you, but you’re doing the real work by making changes in your life and mindset. You get to decide what’s most important, so it’s crucial that you feel comfortable speaking up for yourself.
Timeline and Progress
Therapy can be short-term or long-term. Maybe your insurance only covers 6-8 sessions, or you have one specific goal to work on. Complex trauma might take longer to process, or you might want maintenance sessions every few weeks. You will determine the timeline together with your therapist and adjust as needed.
It usually takes a few weeks to build rapport and clarify your goals. You might not see progress immediately – that depends on where you’re starting, how quickly you open up, and how ready you are for change. Be patient with yourself. This isn’t quick-fix work; it’s a gradual process that creates lasting change. Just like learning piano or training for a marathon, healing and growth take time.
You want to track your progress over time. If you’re noticing positive changes and feeling better, we might discuss ending or spacing out sessions. But if you’ve been in therapy for several months without progress, it might be time to take a break, try a different approach, or find a new therapist.
Practical Tips on Getting Started
Ready to start? Research different types of therapy and therapists. Check Psychology Today or Google clinics in your area. Decide whether you’ll use insurance or pay privately – some therapists offer sliding scale fees based on income.
Before your first session, think about questions you have and important things you want your therapist to know about you.
Remember, therapy is collaborative and takes time. Taking that first step to ask for help and be vulnerable with someone new is huge – be gentle with yourself as you begin caring for your mental health.
If you’re a woman in Texas interested in taking that step, schedule your free 15 minute consultation today!