How therapy works?

Therapy is not what most people think. Contrary to popular opinion, therapy is not only for the so-called “CRAZY” people. This negative stigma on therapy has prevented so many from getting the help they need. HELP is the foundation of therapy. It is providing support and assistance in a safe and nonjudgmental environment. 

THE SESSION

Every therapy session is an exploration session that hopefully leads to problem-solving, an epiphany, or a plan. The session is all about you as the client. The purpose is to help you resolve the concerns and issues in which you are struggling. 

Confidentiality

Almost everything said in the session is confidential, meaning your privacy is protected, and what you say in therapy will not be revealed to anyone. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule, details of planned or future suicide attempts, details of planned or future violence toward others, and any details past or future of child abuse and elderly abuse of anyone. If you have been experiencing any suicidal thoughts, reach out for help immediately. You can reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you have been experiencing domestic violence, reach out for help immediately. You can reach the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

On occasion, a court order can be an exception to the confidentiality rule as well. No one wants to be sued, so feel confident that it is in your therapist’s best interest as well to maintain your privacy.

Initial Session

In the initial session, the therapist will ask about your life history, and you will complete several forms. This is your chance to get to know your therapist and ask any questions you may have. It is essential to be honest with your therapist, similar to an attorney, for them to make an accurate diagnosis and provide the best treatment. It may take a few sessions before you are entirely comfortable with your therapist. It is essential that you give therapy some time and not expect to be fixed or cured after your first session. Therapy is a process.

Subsequent Sessions

During these sessions, you will work with the therapist to realize the changes you need to make in your life and work through the step to make those changes a reality. There will be work for you to do during the session, and sometimes homework is assigned for you to do outside of the session. Remember, therapy is all about supporting you to become the person you want to be and have the life you want, so the focus is on you. The therapist will ask you questions, sometimes challenging questions to push you outside of your comfort zone. The therapist is not there to tell you what to do but to help you see other perspectives, options, and solutions. 

Termination

The goal is for you to no longer need therapy and to put all the skills you learned into action; eventually, therapy will be terminated. If you feel you are not connecting with your therapist, you can end therapy with that therapist. However, do not give up on therapy altogether based on that experience. A strong and good rapport with your therapist is the most crucial factor to being successful in therapy.