What happens in a therapy session?

Going to Therapy for the first time

If you haven’t attended counselling or therapy before, it might seem quite daunting to go into your first session. This article can provide you with information to help prepare you for sessions.

Consider this: therapy sessions are different for everyone because everyone is unique and has their own unique experiences. One of the many reasons why therapy can be so helpful is that it’s specifically tailored to your needs.

What happens in sessions

First sessions are a bit different because they often include communicating about your intake questionnaire and consent forms. Generally, sessions include a lot of talking or using other styles of communication, depending on the training and experience of your therapist. You’ll likely communicate about the issues you feel you need support with. These might include struggles, difficulties or life experiences that are causing you discomfort. It could also be that you need more information on your neurotype, and how to navigate your own experiences.

Why have therapy?

People come for counselling and therapy for many different reasons and your therapist will want to learn about your experiences. No matter your motivation for reaching out, your therapist will accept you and not judge you in any way. This forms part of our ethical values as professionals. Confidential counselling and therapy sessions can help you navigate challenges, provide opportunities for exploring solutions, and might also be focused on feelings of discomfort or on wellbeing.

More options than just talking

Talking isn’t everything, though. If you are doing arts psychotherapy you will do some kind of arts-making process during your session, communicate your experiences and reflect on meaning-making, integrating that meaning into your life. Additionally, not everyone communicates verbally, so communication might happen differently, which is why arts psychotherapy is an inclusive style of therapy; anyone can participate.

Arts-making can mean many things. It might mean drawing or painting, movement, music, creating in a sand tray, writing, or any number of other creative ways to express. Whatever you do, it will be tailored to your needs, with a focus on helping you. This is one reason why your therapist or counsellor will take notes, to help them help you.

Uncertainty and nervousness

You may be anxious or uncertain before your session, which is a normal experience. Your therapist can help you alleviate those feelings by making you feel welcome and taking an honest interest in your experiences, including the ones you have in sessions. They might also introduce you to techniques and strategies to help you in your day-to-day life.

Let's get started

If you have any questions, it’s a good idea to ask your therapist or counsellor. They may suggest you discuss some of these topics in session, to provide you with time to share your experiences or deeply answer your questions.

I hope this quick info was helpful.

Take care and enjoy the journey.

Tania Rose