The Courage to Begin Therapy: A Journey of Empowerment and Transformation – what does starting therapy entail?

Embarking on a therapy journey for the first time can be both daunting and transformative. It takes courage to recognise the need for support and take the first steps towards a path of healing and self-discovery. In this blog post, we will explore the empowering impact of beginning therapy, the importance of co-regulation and safety in the therapeutic relationship, and how this journey can lead to a place of transformation and empowerment for the individual.

20% of people who start therapy quit prematurely.

Why do so many people give up on therapy so quickly? Of course, sometimes it’s because they didn’t like their therapist or that they weren’t ready for therapy yet, but those aren’t the only reasons. Far too many people don’t know what to expect during their first few therapy sessions. When those sessions aren’t what they thought they’d be, they get confused, disappointed, or overwhelmed, and drop out.

I want to make sure this doesn’t happen to you and that you stick around long enough to give therapy—and yourself—a chance!

**The Courage to Begin**

Acknowledging the need for therapy and reaching out for help requires immense courage. It takes self-awareness to recognise when things are not as they should be and the strength to seek support. Making the decision to start therapy is a significant step towards prioritising mental health and well-being. It is a commitment to oneself, a choice to confront challenges, and a willingness to grow and change.

There are many things you can do to increase the chances that your first session will go well. The more you understand why you’re going to therapy and what you want to get out of it, the more quickly you and your therapist will build rapport and start making progress toward your goals.

**What to expect**

If your first few sessions feel awkward, you’re not alone. Starting therapy can be especially awkward if you’ve not been in therapy before. But it’s always pretty awkward regardless. It can help to understand that, surprisingly, the purpose of your first few sessions isn’t therapy. A therapist can’t do the actual therapy until they learn more about you, but that doesn’t mean you need to go into in-depth retelling of your trauma, it may surprise you to know that I don’t see the need to that, but you may want to give an overview of what you’ve experienced.

Therapy is about understanding patterns; behaviours, thoughts, beliefs, impulses, sensations, emotions and helping to bring awareness to how they’re impacting on your sense of self, life and relationships, then using every expert skill and knowledge to release the ones that aren’t helping you and introduce ones that will.

Getting to know that unique matrix of thoughts, behaviours, beliefs, impulses, emotions and sensations is where we begin. give your therapist a chance to get to know you (and give yourself a chance to get to know your therapist) before you decide therapy isn’t working. You might be surprised how quickly you start to make progress once both of you get to know each other a little better.

**Expectation versus Reality**

If you read everything on social media as true it would be easy to get unrealistic ideas about how quickly and easily therapy works from other people’s stories.

Reading about it can make it seem like they hopped straight from one insight to another, when there were actually a lot of dull, stuck, and confused times, too.

The opposite can also be true—storytelling conventions can make therapy seem more difficult or lengthy than it actually is/can be and if you learned about therapy from movies or television, forget about it. The way therapy is depicted in fiction has more to do with how the writer wants to reveal the character than anything else!

Also, don’t assume that what worked for someone else will work for you either or that what didn’t work for them won’t work for you. Good and effective therapy is not a one size fits all approach.

As a therapist trained in many different therapy methods, I tweak and tailor to meet your needs in order to get it right for you. This means we may have to explore and experiment before landing on what’s going to work best for you.

You are in charge of what’s happening, so if something is bothering you about how your sessions are going, talk to your therapist about your concerns. Tell them when you’re confused, upset, or disappointed. A good therapist will be happy to talk to you and will alter their approach without getting defensive.

**Co-Regulation and Safety in the Therapeutic Relationship**

One of the fundamental aspects of therapy is the therapeutic relationship between you and the therapist. This relationship provides a safe and confidential space for you to explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences without fear of judgment. In this relationship, the therapist plays a crucial role in co-regulating your emotions, helping you to navigate difficult feelings and experiences with empathy and understanding.

Co-regulation refers to the process where the therapist helps you regulate your emotions providing a sense of safety and comfort during challenging moments. This support allows you to explore your inner world, process past traumas, and develop healthier coping strategies. Through co-regulation, the therapeutic relationship becomes a source of stability and trust, empowering you to delve deeper into your journey of self-exploration and growth.

**Empowerment through Transformation**

As therapy progresses, individuals often experience a shift in perspective, a deepening self-awareness, and a newfound sense of empowerment. Through the therapeutic process, you learn to challenge negative beliefs, confront limiting patterns of behaviour, and develop a greater understanding of yourself and your relationships.

The therapy relationship becomes a catalyst for transformation, guiding you towards a place of empowerment and self-actualisation. You are encouraged to embrace your strengths, cultivate resilience, and navigate life’s challenges with newfound confidence and clarity. The journey of therapy is not just about addressing symptoms or problems; it is about fostering personal growth, healing past wounds, and stepping into a more authentic and empowered version of oneself.

**In conclusion**

Beginning therapy for the first time is a courageous decision that can lead to profound empowerment and transformation. The therapeutic relationship offers a space for co- regulation, safety, and self-discovery, empowering you to navigate your inner world with courage and resilience. Through this journey, you have the opportunity to heal, grow, and evolve into the
best versions of yourself.

Give your therapist a chance to get it right for you. Therapists usually choose the profession because they already have certain strengths, including empathy and an intuitive understanding of how people work. They then complete a lot of study and training that helps them refine their knowledge and their skills.

Therapists are human too and need time to build the relationship with you.

Therapy is awesome, and you might just be surprised about how amazing therapy will feel once
you get into it!

Therapy works if you want it to work; to get much out of therapy, you have to be open to it.