Starting the journey of therapy can be both exciting and intimidating, especially if you’re navigating it for the first time. Here at Attuned Therapy + Wellness in Kincardine, Ontario, taking that first step towards self-discovery and healing is met with warmth and understanding. 

In this blog post, we’ll delve into the frequently asked questions about starting therapy, shedding light on what to expect, the unique goals individuals may have, and the supportive environment fostered at our clinic. Whether you’re contemplating therapy for yourself or curious about the process, let’s explore the path to commencing therapy together.

I want to start therapy but I would have no idea where to start. What would we talk about or focus on?

Taking the first step to come to therapy takes a tremendous amount of courage. Therapy requires you to come in, sit down with a complete stranger, and talk about your daily struggles. When someone books a session with us, our primary focus is on building our relationship. 90% of the therapy process is about building trust in our relationship – clients need to feel safe and secure in order to heal, reflect and grow.

During the first few sessions we get clear on what your goals are, what your main struggles are, and get clear on the patterns coming up in your life and your close relationships. Then, we can bring in other modalities & resources to help process and create shifts. 

If I start therapy can I expect to be going for months and years?

It depends what your goals are and what challenges you are faced with. For specific traumatic events, processing using brainspotting can be as quick as 3-5 sessions. For individuals with a lot of life stress, they may choose to continue with therapy monthly once their symptoms lessen. Often it can be helpful to start with weekly sessions, and then gradually space them out. Many of our clients begin to reduce sessions within 3 months.

It’s also important to note that your path towards self-discovery does not need to end. Many of our clients choose to continue with therapy on an ongoing basis, as an act of self-care. As humans, there is always more growth and development we can do. Therapy can offer a safe space to process your lived experiences and create goals for your future.

Ultimately, the decision of how long you will go to therapy is completely in your hands. This will be something that you and your therapist can continue to come back to as treatment progresses.

What are the goals of therapy? What am I hoping to achieve by starting therapy?

The goals of therapy is often unique to the individual. Here are some examples:

• Increased self-awareness
• Reduction of anxiety and depression symptoms
• Healing feelings of betrayal
• Repairing relationships with children, partners, friends and family members
• Establishing more effective communication techniques
• Reducing personal and parental burnout
• Feeling better as a parent
• Reducing tension stored in the body
• Feeling lighter, less burdened by the past
• Creating positive shifts in life, focusing on self-care and increasing confidence
• Reducing the use of coping mechanisms that no longer serve you

Can everyone benefit from therapy?

Definitely. No one gets through life without some conditioning, and our brain automatically creates connections which then results in automatic reactions to our surroundings. By increasing our self-awareness, we have more control about how we show up in our daily lives. When we learn to pause before reacting, bring curiosity and compassion to our lived experiences, and create more space for authentic presence. 

What can I expect at my first therapy session? I’m kind of nervous to be put on the spot!

This can be pretty common, and we usually address these feelings during our first session. Our therapists often let clients know that we don’t need to go anywhere that they are not ready to. Our focus is on staying attuned to our clients, which means that we want to ensure that you feel as supported as possible. It’s also important to know that trauma therapy doesn’t involve unearthing all the client’s past traumatic events. We use modalities that bring in somatic (body) based approaches that help clients stay in the present. We know that our system holds a lot of wisdom, and we focus on listening to it.

Do I need a doctors referral before starting therapy?

No need for a doctor’s referral to attend therapy. You can book in directly at our clinic space, by either calling and leaving a message, sending us an email, completing the form on our website, or booking in using our online booking system. It can be helpful to contact your health insurance company (if applicable) beforehand to ensure you are clear on coverage depending on the type of therapist you are booking in with (RN psychotherapist, social worker, registered psychotherapist).

What can I expect at couples therapy? All of the TV shows portray it as therapists taking sides.

The most important part of couple’s therapy is that the therapist brings in as much self-energy as possible, to avoid any concerns about the therapist taking sides or providing preferential treatment. The couple’s therapy approach that I take comes from Internal Family Systems (IFS) called “Intimacy from the Inside Out”. This approach focuses on helping both individuals become more calm, curious, confident, courageous, and compassionate towards themselves and towards their partner. It’s about fully seeing and witnessing ourselves and our partner for who we truly are, not just for our behaviours.

Conclusion

In your journey toward therapeutic growth and self-discovery, we at Attuned Therapy + Wellness in Kincardine, Ontario, are here to support you. Navigating the path to therapy may raise questions, and we’re happy to provide answers, ensuring your experience is one of comfort and understanding. 

Starting the process of therapy offers a chance to explore, heal, and create positive shifts in your life. If you’re considering therapy, reach out to us. 

Learn more about our therapy and wellness services HERE

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You may also enjoy this blog, ‘Therapy in Kincardine Ontario: Attuned Therapy + Wellness’ HERE