Learn more about the therapeutic process

It can be a big step looking into therapy for the first time (or even the second time!). It can be confusing and challenging to understand what you’re supposed to be looking for, who you’re supposed to be looking for, and what you’re even supposed to be talking about. I hope to provide some more information that can help you better navigate this process!

Psychotherapy (or talk therapy) is a process where an individual can collaborate with a trained professional to address concerns or issues that may constrain the goals one would like to achieve. These issues can range across a multitude of concerns, such as interpersonal issues, stress, anxiety, depression, acculturation issues, self-esteem, and more. Therapy can be short-term and solutions-oriented (a couple months) or long-term and more exploratory (up to a couple years); this timeline is typically negotiated between the client and the therapist.

The therapist’s role is aimed to provide a safe space to help the individual feel comfortable and supported in this process. Those who can provide therapy can be credentialed with PhD/PsyD, LMFT, or LCSW (read about that more below). Therapists can specialize in specific techniques and approaches that are evidence-based to target specific issues. For example, you may often read different initialisms like CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), DBT (dialectical behavioral therapy), and so on. Some practitioners may utilize DBT as it is a supported methodology to best approach issues with Borderline Personality Disorder or Major Depressive Disorder. When getting started, many people don’t yet know what they might be struggling with or what approach will be best, and that’s okay.

In getting started, you can start with just feeling out who you feel most comfortable with over anything else. Some individuals like when a therapist is directive and some prefer when a therapist primarily takes a listening stance. Some individuals have demographic preferences to help them feel more comfortable to talk (e.g., having a queer therapist, older therapist, etc.). This is ultimately the journey of the individual and they get to decide what they feel is best for them. Read more below about what getting started looks like.

Getting Started

Where do I begin looking for a therapist?

Options in finding a therapist can vary depending on what’s accessible to you. General databases like PsychologyToday and Therapy Den are common marketplaces that you can search and filter therapists by insurances accepted, in-person or virtual services, and demographics.

You can also go onto your insurance website and search for providers nearby on there, but the information may not always be up-to-date.

This can be a frustrating process.

Here are some other niche therapist directories:

What is a consultation call?

A consultation call is a brief meeting where you can get to know more about a potential therapist and they can get to know more about what you’re looking for. This is a great place to ask questions to determine whether they’d be a good fit for you and whether you’d be a good fit for them.

You can take your time to decide whether you’d like to schedule an intake with them by saying, “Thanks for your time. Can I get back to you in a couple days?”

It can be disappointing if a therapist says that they might not be the right person for you. They might not have the right tools or knowledge to best support you and that can be hard for them to acknowledge that. You can ask if they have any recommendations that they might feel that would be a better fit.

What happens during an intake appointment?

An intake appointment is the first appointment scheduled with a therapist. This typically will be the time where a therapist will go over all of the consent forms and documents they require before starting services. Part of the time will be spent on logistics then on the client. The initial appointment is the time where a therapist will learn more about the circumstances that have led to the initiation of therapy, background information, and history.

These questions can sometimes feel intrusive and uncomfortable to answer. Some clients prefer to not answer some questions or they prefer to go at a slower pace. This is okay to ask for during the session as we hope to make you feel more comfortable. Some therapists may ask that you try to be more open to answering some questions as that can be valuable insight into your work together.

 More FAQs

  • An LMFT/LCSW therapist typically requires 2-3 years of masters level training, with emphasis mostly in counseling. LMFT specializes in marriage and family therapy or relational work, while LSCW varies (public policy, community work, or therapy). A licensed clinical psychologist with a PhD/PsyD typically requires 5-6 years of doctoral level training with emphasis in both counseling and research.

    In my role as a LMFT, I do not only see families and marriages, but I adopt a relational approach into therapy. This means that I look a lot at one’s interpersonal relationships in how that may impact or influence an individual and their beliefs, experiences, and behaviors.

  • A general 50-minute session can range from $150-$325 unless you’re using insurance. Some practitioners may offer a few sliding scale or free spots that can be less than the amount quoted above.

    Therapy can be an expensive investment and cost which often deters people from seeking services. Here is an article that gives more information about why this is.

  • The duration of therapy generally varies depending on the therapist and the client. Most therapists see clients once or twice a week, every other week, or monthly. This cadence is typically agreed upon beforehand.

    Some clients come in for a couple sessions to try out the process or for a short-term solution. Some clients can be in therapy on-and-off for years focusing on different issues that arise throughout their life.

    Therapy will typically always revolve around a therapeutic goal and focus. This goal can evolve over time depending on your life circumstances and what could be influencing your experienced issues.

If you have more questions about therapy, feel free to send me an email!