What to expect in therapy

Your first session

The first meeting is mostly about getting to know each other. Your therapist will ask what brings you, what you hope will change, and a little about your life. You can ask questions too: how they work, how long therapy might take, and what it costs.

How sessions go

Sessions usually last about the same time each week or every other week. You choose what to talk about; your therapist listens, asks questions and may suggest ways of looking at things or something to try between sessions.

• It is fine to say you do not want to talk about something yet.
• Some sessions feel hard. That is often part of the work, and you can say so.
• You may be asked to fill in short questionnaires to see how things change over time.

What stays private

What you say in therapy is kept private. There are a few exceptions that your therapist will explain at the start, for example when someone’s safety is at serious risk or when the law requires it. Ask your therapist what these are where you live.

Working together

Therapy works best when you can tell your therapist what is and is not helping. You can ask to change the pace, the focus or how often you meet, and you can end therapy whenever you choose.

If you need help urgently

Therapy is not an emergency service. If you or someone else is in danger, call your local emergency number. Crisis lines for many countries are listed at olivegrove.app/resources/crisis-lines.