The Gentle Power of Starting: Beginning Your Therapy Journey
Starting therapy is a courageous choice. The good news is that you don’t have to have it all figured out in order to take the first step. Give yourself permission to take the first step - whatever that means for you.
The first step could include:
Identifying what you want to get out of therapy
Having an open conversation with a trusted person in your life and asking for their support or guidance
Using verified directories (Psychology Today, Therapy Den, etc) to locate a qualified local provider
Requesting referrals from another healthcare provider
The Courage in Small Steps
There is power in choosing yourself, in saying I need support. Trust your inner compass that is guiding you to seek out that additional guidance.
Starting therapy is like meeting up with an experienced guide on a rugged trail - they may have walked it themselves before or they may have experience in guiding others through similarly treacherous paths. Perhaps they simply hold the map and can help gently guide you on your way.
Whatever brought you to this uncertainty on your path, the good news is that joining up with a therapist will ultimately help you build the skills and tools you need to access confidence in your own capacity to navigate whatever lies ahead.
What to Expect
First Contact - Reach out via email or phone call. At Flourish we offer a complementary initial 15 minute consultation call in order to see if you’re a good fit for our clinician’s skills and training.
Establishing Care - You will complete intake paperwork that offers you informed consent to treatment and offers your therapist some background information to begin your work together.
Intake Sessions - You will meet with your therapist and begin to establish a therapeutic relationship. The therapist may conduct an initial assessment to gather enough history to create relevant treatment goals.
Early Sessions - These will likely include collaborative exploration of goals, values, and what healing might look like
Tips for Making the Most of Your First Steps
Reflect on what’s bringing you to therapy — even if it’s just a feeling.
Be honest with your therapist about any fears or doubts.
Give yourself permission to take your time — therapy is not a race.
Remember: You are allowed to be a beginner.
Remember the most courageous step is the one that you take into the unknown with nothing but hope for yourself and your capacity to heal. By choosing to seek support you are ultimately reclaiming your own inner strength.
Please feel free to reach out to myself or a member of our team if you’re ready to take the next step in your own healing journey.
Meet the Author
Cassie Thomas, MA, LPC
Cassie is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Colorado and Wyoming. Cassie loves to support adolescent girls and gender non-conforming clients of any age in their exploration of identity.
Cassie is certified in EMDR and is skilled in supporting clients who struggle with chronic health conditions and CPTSD.
