What is therapy?
Therapy, also called talk therapy or counselling, is the process of meeting with a therapist to resolve problematic behaviours, beliefs and feelings. Beginning therapy can often be a daunting step to take and so at your first appointment, you and your therapist will get to know each other and you will then be able to decide if the therapist is the right fit for you.
What can I expect from my therapist?
Initially your therapist will ask you a number of questions to learn more about your life and experiences, the issue you would like help with, your personality, coping strategies and ways of thinking. This may included some questionnaires in order to help the therapist fully understand your individual experience.
As therapy progresses, you and your therapist will work together to help you develop alternative ways of thinking, behaving and learn new coping strategies. This is a collaborative process. It is important to understand that therapy can only work if: you are active and engaged, if you attend appointments regularly and practise the new tools and strategies discussed in session between appointments.
On the whole, you can expect that your therapist will be someone who is supportive, listens actively and checks with you to make sure they understand you, uses evidence based techniques, keeps you informed throughout the process, focuses on your strengths, facilitates action and gives you appropriate feedback. Good therapy should be tailored to you and your needs and experiences.
