What exactly happens in a therapy session?

Mental health concerns affect all age groups throughout the world. Many individuals who have never been to a therapist have curiosity and certainly have many questions like; Will he read my mind? What will I say when I go to a therapist? What if someone else comes to know about my problems? Will I have to talk about my childhood all the time?

What is Therapy?

Therapy is also known as ‘Psychotherapy’. It is a form of treatment that aims at relieving] emotional distress and mental problems. A trained professional who listens and guides the client to resolve his/her issues conducts therapy.

 Art therapy, talk therapy, psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy are some of the different types of therapy. 

 Before a therapy session is booked, some therapists ask the client to fill up a ‘client intake form’ that has the basic background information of the client. It could also include details about how long the session will last, confidentiality and session fee. 

The Process 

Therapy sessions are professionally structured meetings between a trained therapist and a client. 

1. The therapist will do some rapport-building exercises. This provides a supportive and comfortable environment where the client talks openly and the therapist actively listens to the client without any judgments or criticism and with a positive approach.
2. Therapists might take notes while listening to the client during the session.
3. The therapist will ask the client to share – traumatic experiences, feelings and incidents. 
4. Initially, most therapies begin with ‘talk therapy’ where the therapist asks the client questions to understand their struggles and establish a therapy goal.
5. A therapy session is not like a magic wand. It does not solve the client’s problems but instead, the therapist helps and leads the client to possible solutions and coping strategies. 
6. The counselling psychologist might refer you to a clinical psychologist for psychological tests or may refer the client to a psychiatrist if needed.
7. At the end of each session, the therapist might give you a mental health activity before the beginning of the next session. These activities help the therapist analyse the client’s progress.

Tips:-

• Do seek professional help if needed.
• Be honest with your therapist.
• Avoid missing the scheduled sessions.
• Complete the mental health activities assigned by the therapist.
• Be patient. 
• Change your therapist if you feel their approach isn’t working for you.