The Therapy Process
While all therapists are different, this is a generalized expectation of what you may experience in the therapy process. For many, we live in isolation with our experiences leaving us to believe we are "the only one". This can give us a false idea about our experience and what it means. Having someone to talk to can help address the shame that is experienced when we live in isolation. Additionally, therapy can help us see outside of our situation that we currently feel so buried in. Congratulations on starting the journey. Be proud of yourself.
01
A Thought
The therapeutic process beings with a thought. The moment you start thinking about change or accessing resources the process has begun. This can push you into immediate action while others can be here for months if not years.
03
Initial Contact
You have now started to reach out to therapists and have even started to schedule consultations. Don't rush this process as therapy is an intimate journey. Resistance is a normal part of change that you'll notice throughout the process. This will feel different than instinct that will let you know when a therapist is not a good match.
05
Goal Setting
Your therapist will continue building rapport with you and assessing as you all identify goals for treatment. This may take place in the first session or subsequent sessions thereafter. It is also common for therapist to revisit the goals set to highlight progress and reflect on adjustments as needed. Goals can change at any time as new insights are developed or new life happenings occur.
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07
Evaluation
Periodically, your therapist is likely to have sessions dedicated to evaluating progresses. This may be taking new assessments or reflecting on goals.
02
The Search
You have now decided to look for a therapist. You will perhaps consider where you will fit this in your schedule or how you will pay for services. It is not uncommon for some to lose traction if they are having difficulty finding a good match. Keep going.
04
Initial Session
You've made it to your first session. You may find yourself going through a spectrum of feelings and thoughts; excited, nervous, resistant, curious, etc. You may find yourself anxious for instant relief, however your therapist will be focused on building trust and conducting assessments foundational to effective treatment.
06
Doing the Work
Much of the therapy process is doing the work. This will look different between providers but it's not uncommon that you may feel worse before feeling better. This is usually due to systems in place to avoid rather than deal with. During this time, you may reflect, explore, and gain skills. Some sessions will feel more insight while others feel repetitive or slow. This is all necessary to not overwhelm the system and to encourage lasting change.
08
Termination
The goal is that at some point therapy sessions come to an end. While the journey still continues, you have gained enough skills and healing to continue in the context of your community. Some may visit their therapist on a less frequent basis.