Most of us have some idea of what therapy “looks” like from movies, TV shows, social media, or the internet. Maybe you imagine a therapist sitting quietly with a notebook while an uncomfortable silence stretches on forever and you wonder: “Do I just talk the whole time?” “What if I don’t know what to say?” “Will my therapist ask questions or just listen?” I can understand how intimidating that might sound, especially if this is your first time considering therapy. First things first: therapists are people too. We definitely have our own styles, but we are not trying to create an intimidating or overly “professional” image. The goal is to create a space that feels approachable, warm, non-judgemental, and safe enough for you to show up as yourself. And yes, the notebook (or Google Docs!) is real, but it’s there to help us remember important themes, patterns, and details. We’re not constantly writing down everything you say. As for silence: while silence can sometimes be an important part of therapy, it is never used against you. You won’t be left alone trying to “perform” therapy correctly or figure everything out by yourself. Especially in the beginning, therapy is collaborative. Your therapist will guide the conversation, ask questions, reflect on what you share, and help when you don’t know what to say.

You do not have to be in crisis to come to therapy. Some people come because they feel overwhelmed, anxious, burnt out, stuck, lonely, or emotionally exhausted. Others come because they’re struggling in relationships, navigating life transitions, grieving, or trying to understand themselves better. Sometimes there isn’t even one specific “problem” - just a feeling that something feels heavy, confusing, or difficult to carry alone. Therapy is not only for surviving difficult moments. It can also be a space for growth, self-awareness, healing, and building a healthier relationship with yourself. If something is affecting your emotional wellbeing, relationships, sense of self, or day-to-day life, it deserves care.

This is one of the most common questions people ask themselves before starting therapy. Many of us grow up believing that therapy should only be a “last resort”- something you seek only when things become unbearable. We often convince ourselves that we should first try to “handle it alone,” or that other people have it worse, so our struggles don’t count. But emotional pain does not need to reach a breaking point before it deserves attention. You do not need to justify your suffering in order to seek support. Often, therapy can be most helpful before things become overwhelming. It can help you understand your patterns, strengthen your coping resources, improve your relationships, and feel more connected to yourself and the people around you. If it matters to you, it matters enough to talk about.

The first session is usually slower, exploratory, and focused on getting to know each other. We may talk about: • what brought you to therapy, • what has been difficult lately, • your personal history, • your relationships and support systems, • and what you hope to get out of therapy. You do not need to arrive with a perfect explanation of what’s wrong. It’s okay if your thoughts feel messy, confusing, unfinished, or difficult to put into words. You are also not expected to share everything immediately. Therapy happens at your pace. The first session is simply the beginning of understanding your story together. And if you feel nervous or awkward- that’s completely normal too.

A lot of people wonder this before starting therapy: “How does talking fix anything?” “What if my situation can’t actually change?” And honestly, it makes sense to wonder about that. Many of us already talk to friends, family members, or loved ones when we’re struggling. But sometimes, despite all the talking, we still feel stuck, helpless, overwhelmed, disconnected, or emotionally exhausted. That’s because some experiences are not problems that can simply be “solved” with quick advice or reassurance. Sometimes what people need most is a space where they can process what they’re carrying without feeling judged, dismissed, minimised, rushed, or told to “just move on.” Therapy helps by creating space to: • understand emotional patterns, • explore thoughts and behaviours more deeply, • build self-awareness, • process difficult experiences, • improve emotional regulation, • strengthen boundaries and relationships, • and slowly develop new ways of relating to yourself and your life. Sometimes therapy changes the situation itself. Sometimes it changes how we carry and respond to the situation. Both can be deeply meaningful.

Yes. Confidentiality is one of the foundational parts of therapy. What you share in therapy stays private, and creating a safe, non-judgemental space is an essential part of the therapeutic relationship. There are a few rare exceptions where therapists may be legally or ethically required to break confidentiality- usually in situations involving immediate risk or court-mandated disclosures.

Feeling awkward in therapy is incredibly normal, especially in the beginning. Opening up to another person, talking about vulnerable experiences, or even sitting with your own emotions more honestly can feel unfamiliar and uncomfortable at first. Therapy can sometimes bring up parts of ourselves that we avoid, feel ashamed of, or don’t fully understand yet. That can feel emotionally intense. You may cry, feel frustrated, confused, vulnerable, or even leave a session feeling emotionally heavy. That does not necessarily mean therapy is “going badly.” In fact, therapy often involves gently exploring difficult emotions and long-standing patterns that may have been pushed away for a long time. Growth and healing are not always comfortable processes. At the same time, therapy should still feel emotionally safe. Your therapist’s role is not to judge, shame, or overwhelm you, but to support you through these experiences with care and compassion.

Yes, absolutely. The relationship between a therapist and client plays a huge role in how helpful therapy feels. It’s important that you feel emotionally safe, understood, respected, and comfortable enough to slowly open up. Not connecting with a therapist does not mean therapy “isn’t for you.” Sometimes it simply means the fit was not right. At the same time, it’s also important to remember that trust and rapport take time to build. Feeling unsure, hesitant, or guarded in the first few sessions can be completely normal. A good therapeutic relationship is not built instantly- it develops gradually through consistency, openness, and mutual trust. This is also why I offer brief introductory calls before beginning therapy, so you can ask questions, understand my approach, and get a sense of whether the space feels right for you.

You do not need to have the “right words” to begin therapy. Many people come into therapy feeling confused, emotionally numb, overwhelmed, or unsure of what exactly they’re experiencing. Sometimes people only know that something feels “off,” heavy, exhausting, or difficult. Part of therapy is learning how to better understand, name, and express your inner experiences. You are allowed to take your time.

There is no fixed timeline for therapy. Some people come for short-term support around a specific concern or life transition. Others stay longer to explore deeper emotional patterns, relationships, identity, or past experiences. The pace and duration depend on your needs, goals, emotional readiness, and what you hope to work through. The important thing is not how quickly therapy “ends,” but whether the process feels meaningful, supportive, and helpful to you.