What if I’ve never been to therapy before? How do I know it’s right for me?

Starting therapy for the first time can feel intimidating, and that’s completely normal. Think of it as embarking on an adventure—one where the landscape is your own inner world. Together, we’ll navigate your thoughts, emotions, and experiences, helping you gain insight and make meaningful changes in your life.It’s important to know that therapy isn’t for “sick” people—it’s a completely normal and healthy step toward personal growth and well-being. Many people seek therapy to better understand themselves, improve relationships, or navigate life’s challenges. You don’t need to have everything figured out before starting; I’ll guide the process and do my best to make you feel supported every step of the way.

How is talking to a therapist different from talking to a friend or family member?

While friends and family can provide support, therapy offers something unique: a neutral, professional perspective in a safe and confidential space. Unlike personal relationships, therapy is solely focused on you and your growth. A therapist is trained to help you explore deeper patterns, understand underlying emotions, and develop strategies to navigate challenges. It’s not about giving advice but empowering you to find clarity and solutions that work for you.

How long does it usually take to see results in therapy?

The timeline for seeing results varies depending on your goals and the challenges you’re facing. Some people find significant insights or relief after just a few sessions, while others benefit from a longer-term process to address deeper patterns. In our sessions, we’ll set clear goals and check in regularly to ensure you’re feeling progress. Therapy doesn’t have to last forever; it’s about finding the right pace for your journey.

What if I know I need help, but I don't really want to talk about it?

It’s okay to feel that way—starting therapy doesn’t mean you have to talk about everything right away. Therapy is a gradual process, and we’ll go at your pace. There are also ways to work through challenges that don’t rely solely on talking, like EMDR or neurofeedback, which focus on emotions and patterns without requiring you to verbalize everything. The most important step is showing up, and we can take it from there together.

What types of issues do people usually bring to therapy?

People come to therapy for a wide range of concerns, but common themes include anxiety, anger management, relationship difficulties, loneliness, feeling lost, unresolved memories, or struggles with self-esteem and low moods.

What happens in a typical therapy session?

What happens in a session depends on where we are in the therapeutic process. In the beginning, we’ll focus on understanding your history, the challenges you’re facing today, and concerns you might have about the future. This helps us identify your goals and create a plan tailored to your needs. As we progress, our sessions will center on the agreed goals. This might include EMDR processing to work through past experiences, neurofeedback training to regulate your nervous system, or psychodynamic exploration to uncover and address emotional patterns that may no longer serve you.

What if I cannot afford psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy is an investment in your well-being and growth, but it’s also a question of priorities. Instead of asking if you can afford therapy, consider asking: can I afford not to? What are the long-term consequences of going through life without addressing the emotional challenges that may be holding me back? The cost of unprocessed pain, unresolved issues, or a life not lived fully is difficult to measure.

That said, therapy is a significant financial commitment for most people, and it’s important to approach it responsibly within your means. If individual therapy feels out of reach, group therapy could be a more affordable option, and it can sometimes be even more effective than individual setting. We can also explore ways to tailor the frequency of sessions or focus on shorter-term goals to make therapy more accessible for you.

How does therapy work?

Therapy works by providing a safe, non-judgmental space to explore your experiences, emotions, and patterns, with the guidance of a trained professional. Depending on your goals and preferences, I offer several approaches:

  • Psychodynamic Therapy: This approach helps you uncover how your past experiences and emotional patterns influence your present life. By gaining insight into these connections, we can work to free you from patterns that no longer serve you.
  • EMDR Therapy: If past experiences or traumas continue to affect you, EMDR helps process and resolve these memories in a structured way, so they no longer hold you back.
  • Neurofeedback Training: If you are seeking to calm your mind and regulate your nervous system, neurofeedback offers a non-invasive way to improve focus, reduce anxiety, and enhance emotional balance.
  • Group Therapy: In a supportive group setting, you can explore shared experiences, gain new perspectives, and build meaningful connections with others navigating similar challenges.

Therapy is a collaborative process where we’ll identify your needs, set clear goals, and adapt the approach to suit your journey. Whether you’re looking to process the past, manage current stress, or build a better future, we’ll work together to create meaningful, lasting change.

What if I don't feel comfortable opening up?

It’s normal to feel hesitant, especially at the beginning. Therapy is a process, and there’s no pressure to share more than you’re ready for. We’ll work together to create a safe and trusting environment, and I’ll help you explore your thoughts and feelings at a pace that feels right for you.

Do I have to commit to long-term therapy?

Not at all. Some people benefit from just a few sessions to gain clarity or address a specific issue, while others choose to continue longer to work through deeper patterns. We’ll regularly assess how things are going and decide together what makes the most sense for you, whereas it is always going to be your call.