What to expect in therapy

Therapy is a collaborative process between you and your therapist aimed at addressing your emotional, psychological, and behavioral concerns. Here's what you can generally expect during therapy:

1. **Confidentiality:** Therapists are bound by ethical and legal standards to maintain your privacy and keep your discussions confidential. There are exceptions, such as when there is a risk of harm to yourself or others.

2. **Initial Assessment:** In the first session, your therapist will typically conduct an assessment to get to know you better. This may involve asking about your background, current concerns, and therapy goals.

3. **Goal Setting:** Together with your therapist, you'll establish therapy goals and objectives. These will guide the focus and direction of your sessions.

4. **A Safe and Non-Judgmental Environment:** Therapy provides a safe and supportive space where you can openly discuss your thoughts, feelings, and concerns without fear of judgment.

5. **Active Listening:** Your therapist will actively listen to what you say, helping you explore your emotions and thoughts. They may ask questions to gain a deeper understanding of your experiences.

6. **Feedback and Insights:** Therapists offer feedback, insights, and perspectives to help you better understand your feelings and behaviors. They may help you identify patterns in your thinking and behavior.

7. **Skill-Building:** Therapy often involves teaching you coping skills, strategies, and techniques to manage emotions, handle stress, and improve your overall mental health.

8. **Homework Assignments:** Your therapist may assign homework or exercises to practice between sessions. This reinforces what you've learned and helps you apply therapeutic strategies in real life.

9. **Exploration of Feelings:** Therapy allows you to explore and process difficult emotions, past traumas, and unresolved issues. This can help you gain insight and find emotional relief.

10. **Problem-Solving:** You and your therapist will work together to identify problems and challenges in your life and develop strategies for addressing them.

11. **Emotional Support:** Therapy provides emotional support during challenging times, helping you feel less alone and more capable of managing difficulties.

12. **Progress Tracking:** Over time, you'll assess your progress toward your therapy goals. This helps determine if adjustments to the treatment plan are needed.

13. **Termination and Closure:** Therapy is typically a time-limited process with a clear endpoint. When you and your therapist agree that your goals have been achieved, you'll work on a plan for termination and closure.

14. **Client Autonomy:** You have the autonomy to make decisions about your therapy and treatment. Your therapist should respect your choices and preferences.

15. **Ethical Standards:** Therapists adhere to ethical guidelines and professional standards to ensure that therapy is conducted in an ethical and respectful manner.

16. **Flexibility:** Therapy is flexible and adaptable to your changing needs and circumstances. Your therapist may adjust the treatment plan as necessary.

Remember that therapy is a personal and individualized experience. It may vary depending on the therapist's approach, your goals, and the specific issues you're addressing. Building a strong therapeutic relationship with your therapist is essential for successful therapy, so feel free to ask questions, provide feedback, and actively participate in the process to get the most out of your sessions.

Tamara Rosario MS, LMHC