Therapy sessions – what to expect

Most of my clients haven’t seen a therapist before and they naturally wonder what to expect from their therapy sessions. So this month, we’ll look at what to expect and the best ways to find the right therapist.

Find the right therapist

It’s OK to contact more than one therapist before deciding who to see. I often tell people that choosing a therapist is like choosing a driving instructor. Most can provide a good service, but you’ll be spending a lot of time with them. Find someone you feel comfortable with and that doesn’t push you to book before you are ready.

Therapists generally post their qualifications and areas of interest on their websites, and these can look very impressive. However, hypnotherapy is an unregulated profession in the UK.

There is a voluntary scheme that responsible therapists adhere to. Most of those who offer therapy sessions within these guidelines will say so: if they don’t, ask. You should also check that they undertake regular CPD training and supervision.

Use these pointers to make a shortlist of suitable people before you start to contact anyone. When you do, remember that therapists can’t answer phone calls or emails while they are with a client. (You wouldn’t want them to interrupt your therapy sessions to answer calls, would you?) You may have to wait for a response but it’s worth it. Good therapists are in demand.

Check if they offer an introductory or discovery session (sometimes these are free). Whether it’s in person or on the phone, this gives you a chance to see how well you’ll get along with them, and whether you feel they’ll be suited to helping you. They’ll feel less like a stranger when you do begin treatment, and you’ll feel able to open up to them about your feelings.

Scheduling

Make sure the person you choose can offer therapy sessions when it’s possible for you to attend, and consider if you have a preference between in-person sessions and online ones. Many good therapists offer a choice, and if you’re open to online sessions it means you’re not limited to therapists who live near you.

Once you have started therapy, you may have things you want to think over following a session, so set aside some time to relax after your appointment. Try to make your therapy appointments on days you don’t have many other commitments. If you’re likely to be emotional, go for a coffee before travelling home.

Paperwork

You’ll have to fill out some forms about your family situation, health, and any medications you’re on. You will also have to give written consent to treatment and give information about the situation you’re seeking help with. These forms are confidential, although there may (rarely) be times when therapists consider breaking confidentiality, for example, to protect someone from serious harm. The situations when this might happen should be clearly stated in your contract with the therapist.

You also might have to fill out forms about your mood and mental state. Fill them in accurately and truthfully – the therapist needs to know to help you most effectively.

The GDPR gives you rights over what happens to these notes, and says you are entitled to see a copy of them if you want to, but you will probably have to put the request in writing.

Environment

A therapist’s office is ideally more welcoming than a doctor’s or dentist’s. It should be a comfortable, quiet, and safe place to talk. Some therapists practice out of a room in their homes; if so, don’t enter other parts of the house without their permission.

If anything about the room is worrying you, like a ticking clock or not being able to see the door from where you’re seated, mention this to the therapist. They should be willing to make changes to help you feel comfortable there.

How fast does therapy work?

Therapy is usually more of a process than an event. Be realistic about how much is likely to change, and how quickly. It can take time to make lasting changes, although hypnotherapy is faster than most. Don’t give up after one session, ups and downs are a normal part of the process.

If you’re concerned about anything that arises in sessions, chat with your therapist about it. It’s what they are there for.

And if you have any questions about starting therapy, please contact me to arrange a free discovery session.