How do I do therapy? Starting therapy for the first time.

(What is it like? What happens?)

This is a common question that I’m asked by clients before they start. The thought of doing therapy for the first time can be unsettling, and people can be concerned about doing therapy right or about what will be expected of them.

It can be reassuring to understand that there is no ‘right’ way of doing therapy as a client - that you and the therapist will work together to find a pace and a way of working together that works for you. Having said that I appreciate that this will be unbearably fluffy and vague for some people, but it really does make sense when you get underway.

Each session can be different in terms of focus, albeit it will still be centred on your therapy goals - it depends on what is going on for you at that point in time and what will be helpful. Also, it's worth noting that therapy (and your experience of it) may feel different depending on what is going on for you in life outside of therapy, and on you bringing experiences, feelings, and thoughts you are having between sessions, into the therapy room - talking about them to understand better how you are with others, and how you want to be in the world.

The short answer is that no-one knows how it will go before they start therapy, and there is some comfort in just getting underway. Before you know it, it will become familiar to you and, in many clients’ experience, it will become a place and time you look forward to, where you can focus on you in a safe, non-judgmental, and welcoming space.

If you are interested in having therapy with Basis Therapy Services, you can read about how we get started, find out how much therapy is, and book a free initial call here.