What to Expect from Therapy in Dublin, CA

One of my favorite moments in therapy is when a new client sits down and says they have no idea what to expect from therapy. All therapists and sessions look different based on the approach a therapist is rooted in and I love sharing how I work with clients and what you can expect in doing therapy with me in Dublin, CA. Starting therapy can feel like a new beginning and it’s such an exciting opportunity to explore the freedom and possibilities that lay in front of the client. 

What to Expect from Therapy in Dublin, CA 

If you’re new to therapy, it makes sense to feel nervous and not know what to expect! I always empathize with clients on how strange it can feel to sit with someone you don’t know and talk about the most private and vulnerable parts of your life. You deserve to feel supported and I hope the discomfort in starting therapy doesn’t keep you from finding that support. I’ve outlined how therapy generally looks with me in the hope of providing clarity and decreasing anxiety about getting started with counseling.

First Session of Therapy 

Most people are nervous about the first session, thinking that the expectation is to divulge all of their deepest thoughts and feelings. I generally use the first ten minutes of a session to review the paperwork, confidentiality, explore different options for therapy, and address any questions the client may have. The rest of the session is my first opportunity to get to know you - what matters to you, your worldview, your interests and hobbies, what makes you you. Sometimes we naturally land on setting goals for our work together towards the end of the session, but sometimes goals don’t come up for several sessions. 

Building the Therapeutic Relationship 

It generally takes a few sessions to settle into a groove and to start feeling comfortable going deeper into your thoughts and feelings. This is where we start to explore the symptoms you may be experiencing and get a firm grasp of the different areas our work may focus on. My goal is to ensure you are being heard and feel supported while fostering a safe environment to process difficult emotions. I try to be real with you in the effort of strengthening our relationship and connecting on life’s struggles. You’ll notice that throughout our time together, I’ll check in with our relationship and how therapy has been feeling for you. 

Managing Stress 

We’ve explored your reason for starting therapy and we’ve talked about the different ways you’ve been managing your stress and anxiety. This is the part of therapy where we start to add in new coping skills, challenge unhelpful thought patterns and really see movement towards your goals. As we have a deeper understanding of your experience, I might provide a referral to add an additional provider to your care team. This could include your general practitioner, a psychiatrist, a psychologist, or an additional therapist who specializes in relevant areas. 

Maintaining Growth 

When symptoms have decreased and you’re feeling confident with the skills you’ve gained, the next step is generally to decrease session frequency. This often looks like starting with weekly sessions, decreasing to every other week when symptoms decrease, and sometimes moving to once a month as check-ins. Through all of this, we will explore your strengths and progress and continue to build confidence in your coping skills. 

Graduating Therapy!

Clients graduate from therapy when they have gained an internal sense of control and are no longer as impacted by whatever initially brought them in. Graduation is often bittersweet - I am always so proud of the progress my clients make, but I will miss working with you! In our last session, I encourage clients to reach out in the future if they are interested in resuming therapy. Different stages in life bring different opportunities for growth and I will do my best to support you! 

Therapy doesn’t have to be something that increases your anxiety. If you feel ready to find support, schedule your free 15 minute consultation to get started with therapy in Dublin, CA today.