Thinking about going to therapy might make us or those around us think we're mentally ill or crazy, but that's not true. Let's use a simple comparison: when a tap breaks at home, we call a plumber; for an electrical problem, we call an electrician; and if we break a leg, we see an orthopaedic doctor. Similarly, if we're struggling with our emotions or mental well-being, it makes sense to talk to someone trained to help with those issues.

Going to therapy isn't something to be ashamed of—it's like asking for help from a professional when we need it. It shows strength to recognize when we have a problem and to seek the right kind of support.

In this blog post, we'll answer some common questions you may have before choosing to pursue therapy.

Deciding when to seek therapy for depression is a personal choice, but there are several signs that indicate it could be beneficial. Here are some symptoms:

1. Persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness:
If you've been feeling down, sad, or hopeless most days for at least two weeks, despite efforts to feel better, it could be a sign of depression.

2. Loss of interest or pleasure:
If you've lost interest in activities you used to enjoy or find yourself unable to experience pleasure from activities, this is another common symptom of depression.

3. Changes in sleep or appetite:
Significant changes in sleep patterns (insomnia or excessive sleeping) or appetite (eating too much or too little) can be indicative of depression.

4. Low energy or fatigue:
Feeling constantly tired, lacking energy, or being physically slowed down can be part of depressive symptoms.

5. Difficulty concentrating or making decisions:
Depression can impair cognitive function, making it hard to concentrate, remember things, or make decisions.

6. Feelings of worthlessness or guilt:
Experiencing persistent feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or self-blame can be symptoms of depression.

7. Thoughts of death or suicide:
If you have thoughts of harming yourself or ending your life, it's crucial to seek help immediately.

Not everyone who feels depressed will have all these signs. Some people might have just a few, while others might have several. These symptoms can make it hard to do everyday activities and can really upset the person who has them.

In a therapy session, you meet with a trained therapist who is there to listen to you and help you with your feelings and problems. Here's what typically happens:

1. Introduction and getting comfortable:
At the beginning of the session, you and the therapist will introduce yourselves if it's your first time meeting. The therapist will create a comfortable and safe environment for you to talk.

2. Discussing your concerns:
The therapist will ask you about what's been bothering you or what you'd like to work on. You can talk about your feelings, thoughts, or anything that's on your mind.

3. Listening and understanding:
The therapist will actively listen to you without judging. They'll try to understand your perspective and what you're going through.

4. Exploring thoughts and emotions:
Through conversation, the therapist may help you explore your thoughts, emotions, and behaviours to gain insights into your challenges.

5. Setting goals:
Together, you and the therapist will set goals for therapy—what you want to achieve or change. This helps guide the sessions.

6. Learning coping strategies:
The therapist will teach you coping strategies, techniques, or exercises to manage your emotions and improve your well-being.

7. Reflection and feedback:
Throughout the session, the therapist may offer reflections or feedback to help you gain new perspectives or insights.

8. Homework or practice:
Sometimes, therapists assign homework or activities to practice between sessions to reinforce what you're learning.

9. Ending the session:
Towards the end of the session, you'll discuss what you've talked about and how you're feeling. The therapist may summarise key points or discuss plans for the next session.

10. Confidentiality: Everything discussed in therapy is confidential, which means it's private and won't be shared with others, unless there's a safety concern.

Therapy sessions are a collaborative process focused on helping you feel better and develop skills to manage challenges in your life. The specific details of what happens can vary based on the type of therapy and your individual needs.

Preparing yourself for therapy can help make the most out of your sessions. Here are some steps you can take to get ready:

1. Reflect on your feelings and concerns:
Before your session, take some time to think about what's been bothering you or what you'd like to talk about. Reflect on your emotions, thoughts, and any specific issues you want to address.

2. Set realistic goals:
Think about what you hope to achieve through therapy. Setting realistic goals can help guide your sessions and give you a sense of direction.

3. Be open to the process:
Keep an open mind about therapy and be willing to share your thoughts and feelings honestly with your therapist. Therapy is most effective when there's open communication.

4. Choose the right therapist:
If possible, research therapists or counsellors in your area and choose someone you feel comfortable with and who specialises in the issues you want to address.

5. Be prepared for emotions:
Therapy can bring up strong emotions. Understand that it's normal to feel vulnerable or emotional during sessions, and your therapist is there to support you through it.

6. Arrive on time:
Make sure to arrive on time for your session to maximize your time with the therapist. Being punctual shows respect for the therapeutic process.

7. Bring relevant information:
If you have any relevant documents or information (e.g., previous therapy records, medical history) that you think might be helpful for your therapist to know, consider bringing them to your first session.

8. Be honest and authentic:
Therapy is a safe space to be yourself. Be honest with your therapist and share your experiences and concerns truthfully.

9. Stay committed:
Commit to attending your therapy sessions regularly and completing any homework or exercises recommended by your therapist. Consistency is key to seeing progress.

10. Keep an open line of communication:
If you have any questions or concerns about the therapy process, don't hesitate to discuss them with your therapist. Open communication helps build a strong therapeutic relationship.
Remember, therapy is a collaborative effort between you and your therapist. By preparing yourself mentally and emotionally, you can make the most out of each session and work towards achieving your goals for emotional well-being and personal growth.

Bonus Tip:
If you're unsure about therapy due to concerns about effort, cost, or accessibility, we suggest trying our AI-powered therapy sessions with Stamina AI. It's free, non-judgmental, and developed with input from psychologists.