Therapy

Sometimes, our journey through life has difficult and challenging moments. These can be small and seemingly insignificant moments that still have an effect on us, or they can be major life changing moments. These moments can deeply impact our lives. However, we can use these moments to motivate ourselves to seek change within our life journey. Starting a therapeutic journey can be a daunting thought and is a big life decision. Knowing what to expect and understanding the therapeutic process, can make it more comforting for you to make your first appointment. As trusted health professionals, we are here to help you with your journey. It is normal reaction to feel uncertain or scared.

So, how does it work?

For your first appointment, certain aspects of therapy will be explained to you, such as confidentiality, privacy, the therapeutic relationship and informed consent. Once the therapist has established you have a thorough and informed understanding of consent, you will be asked to sign the informed consent document stating you have read and fully understood the concepts of consent, therapeutic intervention, confidentiality and the therapeutic relationship.

Thereafter, you will be asked about the reasons you chose therapy. Even if you provided a summary when making your appointment, it is still important for us to gain a clear understanding of what brought you to therapy. The more information we have regarding your situations and feelings, the deeper understanding we can form about your current concerns and how to approach them. You may be asked to describe what brought you to therapy, what are your thoughts and feelings of your situations and challenges you are currently facing. Your goals and best hopes for therapy may also be discussed to determine where you hope your therapeutic journey may lead you to. You will also have a chance to ask your own questions. It is important that you feel comfortable sharing information and feel comfortable asking any questions you may have. This forms a fundamental part of the therapeutic relationship.

The nature of a therapeutic relationship is different from other relationships you form during your life's journey. It may seem strange sharing your most intimate stories with someone you know little about personally. The therapeutic relationship has different dynamics, rules and boundaries. These differences and boundaries are in place for a reason. They are there to help you trust that you will not have to take care of your therapist's needs during therapy and can focus entirely on your own therapeutic process and journey.