Starting therapy can be hard, it can feel intimidating, it can feel strange even. But as most people would agree it gets easier and easier to show up. This blog is for those that are thinking of engaging in therapy for the first time OR the first time in a long time. Here is what we would love our clients to know.
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- We really do like you. When we say something kind in sessions we mean it. Behind the scenes we joke with one another about wishing we could be friends with clients at times…why? Because we actually like them.
- You don’t have to be in crisis to come to therapy. The world doesn’t have to feel like it is falling down around you to start therapy. Many people work with therapists over many years in the ups and the downs. If you are thinking you want to learn new skills, or dive into something that is bothering you or just want to see what all the excitement about therapy is. We are here for all of it.
- It’s ok to not know where to start. You don’t have to have a line by line agenda to start therapy. Many people come to sessions and admit “I don’t know why I am here or what to talk about.” We got you. As long as you are interested in self exploration we can work with you.
- We don’t judge, EVER. Therapists have heard it all. We have seen a lot. People hide parts of themselves for all sorts of reasons. The real magic happens when you are open to sharing your full unfiltered self. To be seen by another person is powerful.
- You don’t have to share everything at once. It is ok to take your time and get to know your therapist and together create a safe place to open up. You get to decide when and how deep you go in the conversation.
- We don’t give advice. Even if you ask. We are humans and don’t have all the answers – but we are in it to help you find your own answers. Think of us as a guide; not a fixer.
- We think about you outside of sessions (in a healthy way). If I had a quarter for all the times I have seen a social media reel or TIk Tok and thought about a client I would be a rich person. Important dates and activities we think about you because we care about you.
- We can’t read your mind. That is not a skill we acquired in school. Silence is important and we also need you to share with us your experiences, thoughts, feelings and behaviors.
- Please don’t apologize for cussing, cursing, and swearing about your ex. We understand the difference between swearing and being sweared at. Be real. Some situations just call for an ‘f-bomb.’ (many of us swear too)
- When you say “I’m fine” when entering a session and it’s not your first session, get out your shovel; we are digging into that today.
- We get so excited internally (and some of us externally) when you have a breakthrough. Therapists will celebrate your big and small victories.
- We are not-so-secretly wanting to meet all your animals that we see in the background of the zoom session.
- You are allowed to take up space. Clients at times come in and over apologize for what they think, say or feel. This is your session, we are glad you are here. It is all about you for the next 45/50 minutes.
- No one is “good” at therapy. We don’t have a secret list of ‘gold star clients.’ Our ‘favorite clients’ are the ones that are willing to do the work, and be their real selves. And if they get their paperwork in on time all the better.
- LOL. Therapy sessions can be deep and heavy and sometimes they can be light and humorous. We can’t all be serious all the time. Laughter is the best medicine is a true statement.
We’re here to walk with you, help you explore, and celebrate your growth—loudly or quietly, depending on your vibe. If any part of this blog resonated with you, consider it your sign: your story is worth sharing, your healing is worth pursuing, and we’d be honored to be part of that journey with you. We really do like our clients; genuinely and we can’t wait to meet you, your courage, and maybe even your pets.
Author: Lisa Kjeseth, Therapist
