Working with a therapist can be one of the most rewarding and supportive experiences that you will have in your lifetime. Whether you are working on emotional needs, relationship problems, or difficult behaviors, therapy offers a safe, supportive, professional partnership to make real and lasting changes.
What can I expect?
If you are new to the therapy process, you may feel hesitant about taking the first step. Your therapist is professionally trained to listen, to accept, and to apply proven techniques to reach your goals. You may feel a sense of comfort and relief even in the first session.
How long will this take?
That depends on the nature of the problem, but treatment recommendations are typically weekly sessions for 8 to 20 weeks. Some goals can be completed in as few as 5 weeks with a solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) model or can take years to achieve when dealing with personality disorders. Also, clients may move in and out of therapy as needed throughout their lifetime.
How do I pick a therapist?
Therapists are licensed by a professional governmental board. You can be confident that your therapist is trained to provide the service for which they are licensed. If a therapist fits your general preferences such as age and gender and you have a rapport with the initial phone contact, you are sure to benefit greatly from working with them if you bring an open mind to the process.
Do communicate your expectations and preferences so that your therapist can make the time and expense feel worthwhile. Some clients like homework and others feel burdened by it. Also, talk with your therapist about any concerns you have. You will likely find that the barriers to treatment are a reflection of the same barriers you have in other areas of life.
Give it time: it is normal to not feel better right away when beginning psychotherapy. Usually by the third session, clients are enjoying the process and having an improved outlook and seeing changes in their lives.
Finally, keep in mind that this process serves you, not the therapist. You may feel after a few or many sessions that the relationship has fulfilled its purpose and that it is time to move on. Talk to your therapist about termination and your vision going forward.
The Mind Renewed 
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