Everything You Need to Know about Therapy

Starting therapy is a significant and often intimidating decision. Typically, this step is taken because you are navigating serious difficulties in your life. This could involve struggles in your relationships—with a partner, parents, or peers—or perhaps you are coping with a recent traumatic event, depression, or anxiety. It’s safe to say that most people seeking therapy are not feeling entirely happy or content with their current situation. If you’re considering therapy, you might feel uncertain and wonder, ‘How do I know if I need therapy?’ We can provide you guidance by answering some of the Frequently Asked Questions.

What Is Therapy? 

Therapy provides a safe space to talk with a mental health professional to: 

• Promote personal growth
• Improve your relationships
• Process difficult emotions
• Develop healthy habits 
• Better relationships with loved ones

It is done in a way that offers support and guidance to help the client reach their full potential and achieve emotional wellbeing. There are different modalities depending on the presenting issue and the client’s individual makeup.

Should I Go to Therapy?

If you are open to talking to someone in a safe space and want to improve your relationships and your emotional wellbeing, you should go to therapy. Therapy is most effective when you are open to the process of being vulnerable and willing to make changes.

What’s the First Step in Looking for a Therapist?

Here are some initial factors to consider when looking for a therapist:

• Do you want telehealth or in person sessions?
• Do you need someone who accepts insurance?
• What is your budget?
• Do you have a gender or language preference?
• Does the therapist need to be trained in a certain modality?

Can I Help a Loved One Find a Therapist?

Once your loved one has decided they want to go to therapy, you can absolutely help them find a therapist who is a good fit. What does not work is trying to convince someone to go to therapy if they are not ready.

What Type of Therapy Is Right for Me?

It depends on your presenting issue (why you are seeking therapy). If you have addiction issues, it is highly recommended that you see someone with that specialty. If you are going with your partner, seeing a trained couples therapist is the best option. For more generalized needs, it is fine to see any therapist, provided they are a licensed clinician in your state.

Will I Be Able to Afford Therapy?

There are many different options to make therapy affordable and accessible. If you are unable to pay for therapy out of pocket, many therapists accept health insurance. You can find those therapists through your insurance. Many therapists also have sliding scales for middle and lower income individuals and couples.

What Happens in the First Session of Therapy?

The first session of therapy is dedicated to the therapist introducing themselves and how they practice. The therapist will conduct an assessment, asking you many questions to get to know you better and understand your situation.

Will I Receive Medication If I Go to Therapy?

Only medical doctors can prescribe medication, so unless you are seeing a psychiatrist, your therapist will not be able  to prescribe medication directly. However, if they think it is needed, they can refer you to a psychiatrist for a medication consultation.

What Are the Red Flags of an Unqualified or Unethical Therapist?

First of all, you should always check your state or country’s licensing board to ensure the therapist is licensed as a mental health professional and does not have any complaints against them. There are many ethical guidelines that therapists must adhere to regarding the relationship with their clients and how they practice. There are strict boundaries around having  relationships with clients outside of the therapeutic one,  rules about confidentiality, financial agreements and many more. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your judgment and check in with the state licensing board or another trusted professional.

When Does Therapy End?

There is no definitive end for therapy. However, the goal of every therapist is to work themselves out of a job. That means they are working with you to achieve wellbeing and stability where they no longer need to be in therapy.  This can be anywhere from a few months to a few years.

What Are the Signs I Need Therapy?

Here are some signs that indicate you might benefit from therapy:

• You are experiencing depression or anxiety
• Your relationship/marriage is distressed
• You experience more unhappy than happy moments

What Is the 2 Year Rule in Therapy?

The 2 year rule in therapy refers to the ethical standard of prohibiting therapists from engaging in sexual and romantic relationships with clients within 2 years of terminating therapy. However, most ethics boards would discourage therapists from ever having an intimate relationship with a former client.

Can I Speak to a Therapist for Free?

Most therapists will provide a free 15 minute consultation to determine whether they are a good fit for you. Aside from that, there are no free sessions. 

How Can We Help You?

If you need couples therapy, we highly recommend working with a Certified Gottman Therapist since the method is research based and the training is rigorous and specialized for couples. If you are unsure if you are ready for couples therapy, there are other products and psychoeducational experiences that we offer that will give you a sense of what therapy might look like.