What happens in therapy?
Have you ever wondered what really happens in a therapy session? You know, those intense conversations between a therapist and their client that you see in movies and TV shows.
Well, therapy sessions are different for everyone and can be really helpful for those seeking support for their mental wellbeing provided the right therapist and consistent follow-up on the therapy plan is carried out.
The intake
Let's break the process down. Your 1st session with a therapist is an assessment session.
In this, the therapist tries to learn about you, your background, current concerns (the reason why you chose therapy) and what you are expecting from therapy. The therapist asks you questions about your family, relationships, work or college, questions around childhood and enquires about any physical health issues.
This assessment session is critical for both: the therapist and you.
The therapist learns about the extent of your situation, assess the nature of the issue at hand and the likely approach they would take to help you resolve it.
You, on the other hand, discover if you can trust the therapist and whether you are comfortable with their approach and process. (Several of Devotus users have shared that finding comfort with their therapist was the single biggest factor for them to continue therapy and receiving benefit from it.)
The assessment session typically takes around 45 minutes to an hour at the end of which the therapist will share the estimated number of sessions he/she will require to help you and both of you will agree on the goal (s) of your therapy.
Therapy approaches
Your therapist will likely have a favorite ‘approach’ which they employ with their clients. A therapy approach is a set of principles, techniques, and methods that therapists use to help individuals improve their mental health and overall well-being. Here are some of the most common therapy approaches:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): helps individuals identify and change negative patterns of thinking and behavior
Psychodynamic Therapy: A form of talk therapy that explores the unconscious mind and how it influences behavior, thoughts, and emotions.
Humanistic Therapy: Emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, personal growth, self-acceptance, meaning & purpose in the therapeutic process.
Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): A time-limited therapy that focuses on improving communication and relationship patterns
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): A mindfulness-based therapy that helps individuals accept difficult thoughts and feelings.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Combines CBT & mindfulness practices.
Family Therapy: Involves the entire family in the therapeutic process to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and build stronger relationships.
Group Therapy: Involves a group of individuals with similar mental health challenges who meet to discuss their experiences and provide support to one another.
Practice & practice
What makes therapy work? Just one thing: practice. Your practice.
Remember, the therapy is for You. Unless you realize that it is you who is responsible for changing your situation, nothing will improve. The therapist teaches you coping strategies, communication skills, relaxation techniques, or other tools that can help you manage your challenges. You are required to then practice these skills in your daily life and report back on their progress during the next session.
Therapy sessions involve you developing skills and practicing them consistently and sharing them with your therapist in the subsequent session. Over a period of time, you develop the ability to apply the tools & techniques to manage your well being actively, consistently and proactively.
Remember, the most important factor in a successful therapy is a strong and trusting relationship between you and your therapist. If you're considering therapy, know that your experience will be unique to you and your therapist, and that’s why finding the right therapist is the most important part of the process.