INTRODUCTION TO THERAPY

HOW THERAPY WORKS

Engaging in therapy offers you an opportunity to learn about yourself, where you are stuck, and what has been getting in your way.

Together, we bring attention to the patterns between your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in response to the people and life events around you. This process develops your capacity for self-reflection. It is from this increased ability to self-reflect, to know our own strengths and struggles, that we begin to understand our decisions and take steps toward meaningful change.

Good therapy happens when these elements come together:

• Your best effort at speaking openly and honestly about your experiences, thoughts, feelings

• A willingness to recognize and tolerate discomfort as difficult material comes to the surface

• Openness to learn about yourself and how you relate to others

• Developing a strong therapeutic relationship where clients feel safe, understood and supported, i.e. a good fit between therapist and client(s)

• The therapist’s ability to consistently attune and reflect on client(s)' experience

Over time, it is this process of tuning in, healing, building skills and developing a coherent narrative of your life experiences that leads to transformative change.

HOW THERAPY HELPS

Therapy can be helpful when you are:

• Overthinking or ruminating about the same thing over and over

• Feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or stuck

• Experiencing worries, anxiety, fear or panic

• Feeling unmotivated, sad, or depressed

• Having self-doubt, or feeling not good enough

• Feeling sensitive to rejection, criticism, or conflict

• Struggling with perfectionism, self-criticism or fear of failure

• Having sleep or concentration difficulties

• Feeling irritated, impatient, or angry

• Experiencing problems and conflicts in relationships repeatedly

• Arguing or fighting with your partner frequently

• Adjusting to life transitions

• Not knowing how to set limits, boundaries or say "no" to others

• Using food, substances or behaviors to cope

• Grieving a loss or navigating traumatic experiences

• Trying to avoid certain thoughts or situations

Therapy is a process of growth, healing, and change. It takes consistent participation, collaboration, and an openness to learn and explore new perspectives for therapy to become an instrument for change. While every person's journey is unique, many clients find that the insights and skills developed in therapy extend far beyond the therapy room - leading to a stronger sense of self, healthier relationships, increased resilience, greater confidence, and an enhanced ability to navigate life's challenges with clarity and intention.