“If someone’s considering therapy, they’re most likely carrying something within themself that they’d like to address and work on. It could be anything from low self-esteem or depression to facing peer pressure and challenges in school. No matter what challenges you’re facing, your therapist will be a safe and supportive guide to get you to where you need to be,” says Sarah Presson, Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and Clinical Supervisor with Handel Behavioral Health.

Most of us, at one time or another, need to ask for help. We may struggle to manage various responsibilities on our own, we may repeat patterns in our lives that no longer serve us, but can’t seem to get unstuck, or we may feel anxious or depressed but unsure of why and how to cope. 

If you want to gain insight about yourself, develop new tools and strengths to meet life’s challenges, and cultivate a stronger sense of self, our trained therapists at Handel Behavioral Health are here to support you.

We spoke with Sarah Presson, Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and Clinical Supervisor with Handel Behavioral Health to learn more about what to expect from therapy, how the therapeutic process works, and what you can gain from therapy.

What Can Clients Expect in Their First Therapy Session?

In your first therapy session, you can expect a general introduction to the therapeutic process, an open discussion of your reasons for seeking therapy, an assessment of your mental health history, an open discussion of your personal relationships with family members and friends, and an opportunity to assess if your therapist is a good fit. 

Some questions your therapist may ask during the first session include:

1. Why did you decide to seek therapy?
2. What kinds of symptoms and life challenges are you experiencing?
3. Have you seen a therapist before?
4. What are your goals for therapy?
5. Are there specific concerns you’d like to address?

“If you feel safe and supported by your therapist and positive about your interactions with your therapist, you may decide they’re a good fit for you,” says Sarah Presson. “If you struggle with asking for help and sharing your thoughts and feelings with others, talking to a therapist can help you to feel seen, heard, connected, and appreciated.”

Sarah explains that typically in the first therapy session, the therapist will let you know that anything you share in sessions is confidential and private, unless you share that you’re going to harm yourself or someone else. 

Confidentiality in therapy fosters trust and encourages open communication, which allows you  to explore your concerns with curiosity and develop a strong relationship with your therapist.

What Can Clients Expect to Happen Throughout the Therapy Process?

While everyone’s experience with therapy varies, the overarching goal of therapy is about solving issues and working towards healthier thoughts, feelings, and actions that align with your most authentic self. 

First, your therapist will help you identify goals that will ultimately improve your symptoms and quality of life, and then your therapist will help you learn how to reach those goals. Different therapists will use different techniques and strategies to assist you during treatment. Some of the most popular types of therapeutic modalities offered include:

• Client-Centered Therapy
• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical-Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Mindfulness Therapy
• Psychodynamic Therapy 
• Solutions-Focused Therapy 

As sessions continue, you and your therapist might explore a specific topic, such as experiences from your past or issues you brought up in earlier sessions. You will begin to gain insight into your thoughts, feelings, and experiences, develop new tools to modify emotions, thoughts, and behaviors that no longer serve you, and develop strategies to reach your goals. 

“The therapy process is kind of like developing a road map of a path for you to get from one place to another with your therapist supporting you along the way,” says Sarah.

What Can Clients Gain From Therapy?

“Therapy can be both nurturing and challenging, but it’s important to remember that your therapist is here for you one hundred percent. This is your time to share your thoughts and feelings in a confidential and safe space,” says Sarah. 

There are many valuable benefits to working with a therapist, including:

• Improving communication skills 
• Developing a stronger sense of self
• Changing behaviors that no longer serve you 
• Navigating relationships issues, life transitions, loss, and other stressors
• Learning how to resolve conflict and improve communication skills
• Strengthening self-confidence 
• Reducing mental health symptoms, such as anxiety and depression
• Learning how to make healthier choices and set boundaries  
• Learning how to communicate your feelings, wants, and needs
• Developing healthier coping strategies and skills

Start Working With a Therapist at Handel Behavioral Health Today:

Just like visiting your regular doctor for routine wellness exams, or seeing your dentist for checkups, meeting with one of our trained therapists at Handel Behavioral Health can help you regain balance, resulting in a more satisfying, empowering, and meaningful life.

To start working with one of our counselors online in Massachusetts or in-person from our offices in Amherst, Franklin, West Springfield, Wilbraham, and Natick. To start working with a therapist for stress management in Massachusetts, contact us today at (413) 343-4357 or request an appointment online.

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