What To Expect From a Therapist in West Seattle
What to Expect From Therapy — Therapist West Seattle
So you’re considering seeing a therapist or counselor because you know you need a change. Maybe you’ve already been searching for a therapist in West Seattle and you’ve thought about reaching out to a few. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by this process, you’re not alone. Finding a therapist can be difficult and it often feels more intimidating if you’re also unsure of what to expect. Below are answers to some common questions people have about what therapy or counseling might look like as you begin working with a therapist in West Seattle.
What should you expect from your first consultation with a therapist in West Seattle?
The consultation gives you the opportunity to talk about what’s going on in your life and share the issues or concerns that are causing you to seek help, as well as ask any questions you may have. During this conversation, you will start to get a feel for what it might be like to work with the particular therapist so you can decide whether or not it seems like a good fit. It will also help them get a better understanding of what you’re looking for so they can determine if they are qualified to help you. If you and the therapist both agree that it seems like it’s a good fit then they will likely schedule your first appointment. The consultation can feel intimidating for a lot of people so you’re not alone if you feel nervous about making the call. It’s usually very casual and brief and there are no right or wrong things to say or questions to ask.
What do you need to do to prepare for the first session with a therapist in West Seattle?
Most therapists will request that you complete paperwork before meeting for the first time. This helps the therapist prepare for your session so they can better utilize your time together. If there is anything else specific that the therapist wants you to do to prepare then they will let you know in the consultation, but there are not any standard things to prepare other than the aforementioned paperwork. That being said, it may be helpful to think about what your main concerns are that you are looking to address in therapy, as well any questions you want to ask the therapist. It’s okay if you don’t have specific goals yet as this is something you and the therapist can work through together. I don’t expect clients to always know what’s wrong or what they need before coming to therapy – that’s often part of the reason they are seeking therapy in the first place. You don’t have to have the answers before you even start!
What happens in the first session with a therapist in West Seattle?
The first session is often spent getting to know each other and setting the foundation for your work together. The therapist will likely review paperwork with you and you will have the opportunity to further discuss what brought you to therapy. The therapist may ask you a lot of questions to make sure they have a good understanding of your needs. You then might work together to begin to set therapy goals and make a plan for how to get there.
What if I don’t think the first session went very well or I’m not sure it is a good match?
This happens sometimes and it’s important to let your therapist know your concerns. Whether there was something specific you didn’t like about your first session, or it just didn’t feel like a good fit, your therapist will want to know about it. Having a conversation with the therapist will allow them to address your concerns and work with you to determine how the sessions can be most beneficial for you. If you decide that it’s simply not a good match, then the therapist can help you find someone who might be a better fit. All of the therapists I know, including myself, want to know about clients' concerns and welcome feedback. It might feel uncomfortable to bring these things up but I strongly encourage you to do so.
How long does someone work with a therapist in West Seattle?
The duration of therapy varies greatly from person to person and depends on a wide range of factors. It is difficult to predict the amount of time you will need until you begin working with a therapist and establish your therapy goals. Many clients start to experience improvements and relief within the first few weeks of therapy and begin to reach their therapy goals within twelve months. In some cases, therapies such as Brainspotting or EMDR, help people get relief faster than with talk therapy alone. Some people take longer and may choose to be in therapy for a few years, while others get what they need in less time and only need therapy for a few months. If you’re concerned about how long you’ll be in therapy, this is a great thing to discuss with your therapist. While it is not possible to make any guarantees, the therapist may be able to give you a sense of how long clients with similar issues have spent working with them before reaching their goals.
Reach out today for your consultation with a therapist in West Seattle
Hopefully, this gives you a better understanding of the beginning of the therapy process and helps ease some of the anxiety related to working with a therapist in West Seattle. If you’re still feeling unsure about the process, feel free to call me at (646) 543-7878, or contact me here, for a free 15-minute phone consultation. I’d be happy to talk with you more about what to expect from therapy, as well as who might be the best person to help. If it’s not me, then I am happy to help you find other resources. If you are looking for help with grief, anxiety, life transitions, or relationship issues, or would like to try Brainspotting, you can read more about how I can help here.