What to Expect When You Start Therapy
So, you’re thinking about starting therapy, first off, good for you. Seriously. It takes guts to even consider it. But if you’re feeling a little nervous (or totally freaked out), you’re definitely not alone. Let’s talk about what you can actually expect once you’re sitting on that couch.
1. The First Session = Getting to Know Each Other
The first time you meet your therapist, it’s pretty chill. It’s less "tell me your deepest secrets" and more "let’s figure out why you’re here and what you want out of this."
They’ll ask you some questions. You can ask them questions too. It’s kind of like a vibe check, making sure you feel comfortable with them, because honestly, fit matters.
2. You’re in the Driver’s Seat
Worried you’ll have to spill everything right away? You won’t. You get to set the pace. Some people open up super fast. Others take a while. Both are completely okay.
If something feels too heavy to talk about right away, that's fine. Therapy is supposed to feel safe, not overwhelming.
3. It's Not Just Talking About Feelings (Though There’s That, Too)
Sure, you’ll talk about what’s going on in your head and heart, but therapy can also be pretty hands-on. You might:
Learn new ways to cope when things get tough
Try out different tools to manage stress or anxiety
Practice having hard conversations
Notice patterns you didn’t even realize you had
Sometimes your therapist might suggest stuff to try outside of sessions. Homework, but the low-stress kind. Promise.
4. It Might Feel Weird Sometimes (That’s Normal)
Some weeks you’ll leave feeling lighter. Some weeks you’ll leave thinking, "What even just happened?" Healing isn’t a straight line, it’s more like a messy squiggle.
Feeling uncomfortable sometimes doesn’t mean therapy isn’t working. It usually means you’re actually doing the real, hard, important stuff.
5. Your Therapist Isn’t a Mind Reader
They’re not there to "fix" you or tell you what to do. They’re human too, and they can’t know how you’re feeling unless you tell them.
If something feels off, it’s totally okay to speak up. Therapy is for you, not for them.
6. You’ll Get Out What You Put In
Therapy isn’t magic (sad, but true). The more honest and open you can be, the more you’ll get out of it. Even showing up when you don’t feel like it is a win.
Bottom line:
Starting therapy is a big step, but it’s also a brave one. It won’t always be easy, but it will be worth it. You don’t have to have it all figured out, you just have to show up.
You got this.