What to Expect from Therapy
An Opportunity for Learning & Growth
The stormy times in life are often an opportunity for learning and growth. Because change can be difficult, it is not always easy to embrace, even when nothing can prevent the changes from occurring. Therapy can help you to navigate shifting waters more easily.
The First Session
During our initial session, I will seek to learn about the current challenges in your life. You may have ideas about your goals at our initial meeting, and these can form the basis for our work together. Or you may have no certain idea about what is troubling you and that is okay too; often things become clearer after a couple of sessions. My goals in the first session are to help you feel relaxed, safe, and understood, and to begin learning about who you are and what I can do to help. We will also discuss the basics of how my practice works so that you feel comfortable and informed. I will answer any questions you have about myself as a psychologist or about the process of therapy.
The Care Plan
Once we have formulated goals and had a few sessions to get to know each other, we will create a Care Plan based on our mutual understanding of your needs. Some clients prefer a structured approach and as such we may set out the number of sessions we plan to work together. Others prefer to keep the pace and number of sessions open-ended which allows them to continue until they feel they are ready to stop. The purpose of the Care Plan is to clarify intentions and goals, but the plan may also be modified as new ideas and concerns emerge and if the focus of the therapy shifts over time.
The Closure Phase
As a result of therapy, you may experience changes such as feeling like you have new strategies for coping with difficulties, a greater understanding of patterns in your life, or a deeper appreciation for yourself, your feelings and thoughts. When you are ready to finish, there is a phase where we seek to tie up loose ends, to review what has taken place and to appreciate what you’ve accomplished. We may also talk about whether there is anything we didn’t get to that you might like to explore at a later time. The purpose of the closure phase is to bring resolution to the work you have done. I will support you to conclude this piece of your work at whatever time you are ready.
“There are some things you learn best in calm, and some in storm.”
—Willa Cather