When starting therapy, it is common to feel a bit anxious and to not know what to expect. Psychotherapy, also known as therapy or counseling, is a treatment used to help individuals overcome various emotional, behavioral, and mental health challenges. Therapy should be a safe and nonjudgemental space where you can openly express your thoughts, feelings, and concerns.

What To Expect When Starting Therapy

Initial Session: Your first meeting will involve an initial session with your therapist, which will allow you to get to know each other better. During this session, your therapist will ask you questions about your current challenges, personal history, and goals for therapy. This is a good time for you to dig deep into your history and share anything that you believe may impact you in the present day.

Goal Setting: Together, you’ll identify goals you wish to work on in therapy. Your goal may be to reduce anxiety, find resolution after trauma, or learn to cope more effectively. Whatever your goals may be, your therapist will use these goals to guide your sessions.

Developing a Therapeutic Alliance: A strong therapeutic alliance or relationship is extremely important in therapy. This alliance will help you feel more comfortable discussing your thoughts and feelings. It is common to discuss things in therapy that you may have never discussed with anyone before.

Exploring Thoughts and Feelings: In therapy, you will have the space to dig deeper into your thoughts, feelings, and any behavior patterns that you’d like to change. Your therapist will give you another perspective and help you explore any underlying factors that could be contributing to your struggles. Your therapist will help you to gain more insight into your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

Evidence-Based Techniques: Evidence-based techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can be used in therapy. The techniques used will depend on the therapist you are working with.

Problem-Solving: Your therapist will help you problem-solve and look for solutions to deal with the challenges you face. In addition, you will learn ways to cope more effectively.

Transition: When you are ready to end therapy, you may choose to process this in session. You may do so by reflecting on your progress in therapy. You may also discuss with your therapist strategies to help you maintain your progress as you transition out of therapy.

We hope this overview provides you with a better understanding of how the psychotherapy process works. If you have any further questions or are looking for a therapist in East Cobb or a virtual therapist in Georgia, please contact us at hello@awakencounseling.com or call 678-310-0358.