What to Expect in Therapy
Your Journey to Wellness Starts Here
Starting therapy can feel overwhelming. Will you have to lie on a couch? Cry the whole time? Talk about your childhood? Let us demystify the process and help you feel prepared for your healing journey.
Before Your First Session
Preparing for Therapy
After Scheduling
- • Receive intake paperwork via secure email
- • Complete forms at your pace (20-30 minutes)
- • Include insurance information if using
- • List current medications
- • Note what brings you to therapy
Day Before
- • Confirmation email/text
- • Directions to office or video link
- • Reminder about paperwork
- • Parking/arrival instructions
Day Of
- • Arrive 5-10 minutes early
- • Bring insurance card and ID
- • Have payment ready if self-pay
- • Bring water and tissues (we have them too)
What to Bring
- • Open mind
- • Willingness to try
- • Your authentic self
- • Any questions you have
Your First Session
The Initial Intake (90 Minutes)
Getting Comfortable
10 minutes- • Tour the office space
- • Discuss confidentiality
- • Review consent forms
- • Answer initial questions
- • Settle in at your pace
Sharing Your Story
40-50 minutes- • What brings you to therapy now?
- • Current symptoms and challenges
- • Relevant history and background
- • Previous therapy experiences
- • Goals and hopes for treatment
Assessment & Planning
20-30 minutes- • Therapist's initial impressions
- • Recommended treatment approach
- • Session frequency discussion
- • Answer your questions
- • Schedule follow-up sessions
Wrapping Up
10 minutes- • Process how you're feeling
- • Provide initial coping tools
- • Discuss between-session support
- • Confirm next appointment
Regular Therapy Sessions
Your Ongoing Sessions (55 Minutes)
Typical Session Structure
Check-In
5-10 minutes- • How's your week been?
- • Updates since last session
- • Current mood and energy
- • Urgent issues to address
Working Time
35-40 minutes- • Process current challenges
- • Practice new skills
- • Explore patterns
- • EMDR processing (if applicable)
- • Work toward goals
Wrap-Up
5-10 minutes- • Summarize insights
- • Homework or practices
- • Plan for the week
- • Schedule next session
Your Journey Over Time
Building Foundation
Weeks 1-4
- • Establishing trust and rapport
- • Understanding your patterns
- • Immediate symptom relief
- • Basic coping strategies
- • Setting treatment goals
Active Work
Weeks 5-12
- • Deeper exploration
- • Challenging old patterns
- • Developing new skills
- • Processing difficult emotions
- • Making connections
Integration
Weeks 13+
- • Applying insights to life
- • Maintaining progress
- • Preventing relapse
- • Adjusting strategies
- • Planning next steps
Timeline varies by individual needs
What Therapy Is Really Like
Myths vs. Reality
"I'll have to lie on a couch"
You are welcome to lie on a couch. But you are also free to sit in a comfortable chair facing your therapist!
"I'll cry the entire time"
Some sessions involve tears, others laughter, many neither
"We'll only talk about childhood"
We focus on what's relevant to your current struggles
"The therapist will judge me"
Therapy is a judgment-free zone for exploring anything
"I'll be 'fixed' quickly"
Healing is a process, not a destination
Your Role in Therapy
Active Participation for Best Results
What We Ask of You:
- •Show up consistently
- •Be as open as you're able
- •Try new strategies
- •Complete homework (if given)
- •Communicate needs and concerns
- •Be patient with the process
You're Always in Control:
- •Set the pace
- •Choose what to share
- •Decline suggestions
- •Take breaks when needed
- •Change course anytime
Accommodating Your Needs
For New Mothers
- • Babies welcome in sessions
- • Feeding/changing supported
- • Flexible scheduling
- • Virtual options available
For Anxiety
- • Grounding tools available
- • Break anytime needed
- • Start slow and build
- • Coping strategies first
For Trauma
- • Safety always first
- • You control disclosure
- • EMDR when ready
- • Stabilization before processing
For Everyone
- • Go at your own pace
- • Judgment-free environment
- • Cultural sensitivity
- • LGBTQ+ affirming
How You'll Know It's Working
Early Signs
(Weeks 1-4)
- • Feeling heard and validated
- • Slight symptom improvement
- • Better understanding of patterns
- • Hope returning
Middle Signs
(Weeks 5-12)
- • Noticeable behavior changes
- • Improved relationships
- • Better coping strategies
- • Increased self-awareness
Later Signs
(Weeks 13+)
- • Sustained improvements
- • Confidence in abilities
- • Independent problem-solving
- • Resilience building
Your Questions Answered
"What if I don't click with my therapist?"
We offer a free consultation to ensure fit. If it's not right, we'll help you find someone who is.
"What if I can't think of what to say?"
Your therapist will guide the conversation. Silence is okay too.
"What if I get worse before better?"
Sometimes examining issues intensifies feelings temporarily. We'll support you through it.
"How long will I need therapy?"
Varies greatly. Some need 8-12 sessions, others ongoing support. You decide.
Ready to Begin?
Now that you know what to expect, take the first step toward feeling better. Every journey starts with a single session.
📍 Bucktown office or virtual
✉️ katherine@kmhcounseling.com
Starting therapy is brave. We're honored to support your journey.