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When I tell people I am a therapist, people typically react by either retreating or oversharing. The most common response is a sense of discomfort. I can tell when people immediately wonder if I am analyzing them right then and there. It's also really common for people to start to say something about therapy and end up sharing private details related to their childhood or relationships. These initial introductions are usually in public and often with other friends and there is often an uncomfortable moment, especially if people are not use to meeting therapists in the grocery store check-out line! I assure you, I am not focused on anything more than meeting you. Meeting someone who is a therapist and going to therapy are not the same experience, not for me or for you. Since therapy is not the same thing as conversations between friends, it offers more powerful outcomes. People often think something major needs to have happened (such as a death or significant trauma) in order for someone to need to see a therapist. In my experience, while that kind of intervention is important, typical therapy is something very different. It is useful and even practical for anyone who is interested in examining how they might live a happier, healthier, and more authentic life. For this blog post I decided to answer a few of the initial questions I hear to educate and reduce the stigma that still is attached to mental health and therapy. What is therapy? Therapy is an opportunity to talk about issues that are important to the client, while having a trained, objective person (the therapist) help work through not only the current situation, but also how to deal with similar situations in the future. Therapy can be about one specific problem, or it can be about multiple issues. Therapy is a collaborative event, it requires an active role from both the client and the therapist for change to occur. Do I have to be “sick" to see a therapist? No! While some therapists do specialize in specific mental health diagnosis, many focus on everyday life challenges. The majority of clients I see are successful, high achieving people who are very healthy. Most are challenged with a specific goal, like creating a better work-life balance, dealing with a transition in their life, finding ways to be a more effective parent, building self-esteem, or reducing the anxiety they feel daily. How do I find the best therapist for me? There are so many options for therapists these days. Often starting by looking at therapist websites can be helpful. Notice what each therapist values by what they emphasize. You'll see differences in how they offer their services and the way they describe the work that they do. As mentioned above, therapy requires us to work together and that means that we have a good connection and strong "fit." I offer a free 15-minute consultation to anyone looking for a therapist so we can meet and go from there. What happens in a session? While each session is different, typically the therapist will invite you to share what has happened since your last meeting/appointment. They may ask you what you want to talk about and what goals you have. There are no right or wrong answers. Sometimes, people talk about their past but most of the time people talk about present day situations and goals for the future. I often take notes during the session so that I can come back to a topic if needed without interrupting my clients. Everything said during therapy is confidential. How long do people go to therapy? That all depends on the individual. I have had clients who see me for one session and feel like they can manage on their own. I also have a clients that I have seen for many months or years.  Therapy can be whatever you need it to be at this moment in time. It could be a one-time conversation to gain a bit of perspective, or short-term, temporary support during some type of life transition, or an ongoing relationship to address more complex challenges. If you are in need of support or know someone who is or if you have any other questions about what therapy is like, please reach out to me at debbie@corementalwellness.com .