What Is Therapy, How Does It Work, and Is It For Me?

If you’re reading this, you might be wondering if therapy is right for you, or what therapy might look like. It’s completely normal to feel uncertain, hesitant, or anxious about starting therapy. For many people, it can feel like a very personal and vulnerable step.

In this post, I wanted to walk you through what the therapy process is like, specifically when working with me, and what you can expect sessions to look like. Everyone’s experience with therapy is different, depending on what they are going through and the approaches that work best for them, but this will give you an overall idea of the process. 

To begin, reaching out is the first step and often the most daunting one. Many people find themselves putting it off out of fear or uncertainty about what to expect. That’s exactly why I’m writing this: to help minimise some of that uncertainty and make the process feel a bit more approachable. 

After you reach out, I will get back to you as soon as possible to confirm availability and find a time that works for you. I also offer an optional free 20-minute consultation. This gives you the chance to meet me, ask any questions you may have, and get a sense of whether we would be a good fit. There is absolutely no obligation to continue after this–it’s simply an opportunity for you to decide what feels right. 

If you feel comfortable moving forward, we can then schedule your first session at a time that works best for you. Once your session is booked, you’ll receive a confirmation email with your video call link, along with a couple of documents to review and complete beforehand. These include the Counselling/Psychotherapy Agreement, Informed Consent & Privacy Notice and Client Information Form. Completing these in advance helps keep the first session more focused on you, rather than paperwork. You’ll also receive an invoice, which is due before the start of your session. 

The first session is a little different from ongoing sessions, as it involves getting to know you and setting the foundation for our work together. We’ll go through the information you shared in the information form, talk about what’s brought you to therapy, and begin identifying what you’d like to work towards. Together, we’ll create a treatment plan with goals that feel meaningful and relevant to you. This allows us to track your progress over time and adjust things as needed, and we’ll revisit it every few months as things progress.

Ongoing sessions are a space for you to talk openly about whatever is on your mind. I’ll listen, support you in processing your thoughts and feelings, and introduce techniques or strategies that may help you cope and move forward. Sessions are 50 minutes long, with the last 10 minutes of the hour used for note-taking after the session ends, so your full session time is always focused on you. All notes and information are stored securely on a UK GDPR-compliant platform to ensure your privacy and confidentiality.

Therapy doesn’t have a fixed timeline. Everyone’s journey is different. Some people attend weekly sessions and gradually reduce the frequency over time, while others may engage in therapy for a shorter or longer period. We will work together to find a pace that feels right for you. 

I understand that therapy can feel intimidating at first. My aim is to make the process as smooth, supportive, and comfortable as possible. While some conversations may be difficult, the space itself is intended to feel safe, non-judgemental, and inclusive. You won’t be judged for what you share, and we will always go at a pace that feels manageable for you. Everything discussed in sessions remains confidential, with a few standard limits that will be explained clearly at the beginning.

From therapy, people often gain greater clarity, improved emotional wellbeing, and tools to cope and communicate in healthier ways. It can also be a space for personal growth, helping you better understand yourself and build resilience through life’s challenges. 

So yes, therapy can feel daunting at first–but hopefully this has helped to break the process down and make it feel a little more understandable. If and when you feel ready, you’re very welcome to reach out. You can contact me at contact@renewedhorizonscounselling.co.uk or by filling out the form on the contact page of my website. I look forward to hearing from you and exploring how we might work together.