I’m thinking of starting therapy, what do I need to know?

Starting therapy can be overwhelming. If it’s been something in the back of your mind for a while, you might feel yourself stalling, rather than getting a jump on the process, simply because there’s no clear path to know when or how to get started with therapy. 

How do you know it will be helpful? How do you find a therapist that’s right for you? What should you prepare for, in your first session? How much of therapy takes place in therapy, and how much work will you have to do outside of your one on one time?

These are common questions, and we want to help you feel informed and prepared. Below are five blogs you may find helpful as you embark on this new journey: 

• Finding a Psychologist: What to Consider

• 9 Commonly Asked Questions About The Therapeutic Process

• What Do I Need to Know Before my First Therapy Session?

• Healing through Relationships: Why the Therapeutic Relationship Matters

• How to Make the Most of Your Time Between Sessions

What types of therapy exist?

Therapy is not one size fits all. There are many different modalities and approaches your therapist may specialize in, and the speciality or approach you need may depend on your specific circumstances. At Hope+Wellness we have many different therapists with many different specialities, some of which you can find an introduction to below: 

• What is Spiritually Integrated Therapy?

• What You Should Know About Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: 5 Things You Should Know About It

• What You Should Know About EMDR

• What You Should Know About Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)

How can therapy support me?

Therapy can offer a wide array of support–whether it be navigating a current crisis, exploring your identity, working on your communication skills, strengthening your relationships, therapy can offer the space and tools you need. While it’s definitely not an inclusive list, below are five ways therapy can help support you:

• How Can Therapy Help Me Navigate Big Life Changes?

• How Therapy Can Help Entrepreneurs Thrive Instead of Survive

• How Can My Therapist Help with My Chronic Pain?

• IMPROVE the Moment: Coping with Distress with DBT

• Who Can Benefit from Inner Child Work?

How can I navigate difficult moments in therapy?

While therapy can be transformational and validating, it’s not always easy. It can even be difficult to address things with your therapist sometimes! If your therapist says something that hurts your feelings, or you find yourself dreading going to therapy, it’s not always a sign that things aren’t working for you–it may be a sign that some uncomfortable conversations need to be had. These blogs can help you prepare to navigate those situations, and recognize when they’re a sign of a larger problem: 

• I'm Dreading My Next Therapy Session, What Now

• 3 Tips for Telling Your Therapist They Upset You

Are you interested in therapy? Our clinicians at Hope+Wellness offer therapy in our office and online. We serve the McLean, Great Falls, Falls Church, Arlington, Alexandria, and the greater Washington DC regions, as well as offering online services in DC, MD, VA, and all PSYPACT states. If you would like to talk to one of our therapists, please contact info@hope-wellness.com.