If you are new to psychotherapy and don't know what to expect...

by Dr. Silberstein

The following information might help you by shedding light on the process of psychotherapy and answering some of your questions.
 
There are many ways to do therapy. Clinicians are trained in various disciplines (such as psychology and social work) and adhere to one or more of several theoretical orientations (psychodynamic therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy are the best-known ones). Despite differences in educational and professional backgrounds, it has been consistently found that the most important factor in the effectiveness of therapy is the therapeutic relationship.
 
The therapeutic relationship is the unique relationship that is being formed over time between clinician and client, therapist and patient. It is this relationship that allows the client to better understand her thoughts, feelings, unconscious motivations, conflicts, behavioral patterns, and relationships with others. Therefore, when considering starting therapy, finding the right therapist for you is key to the success of your therapy.
 
What to expect once you start therapy? There are multiple ways to answer this question, as different therapists conduct therapy in different ways. Here is my approach:
 
Your initial session with me will focus on an initial evaluation. This means I will be gathering information on your current concerns and the current reasons you are interested in therapy. I will also ask some questions about your background and other details from your history that may be relevant to your current challenges. The initial evaluation is typically completed in the first session, though at times it may take longer. The first meeting with me is also your opportunity to get a sense of my style of working and whether we are a good fit.
 
Another purpose of the first meeting is to establish your goals for treatment and for us to discuss how we can work together toward helping you achieve them. Once we have done this, we can begin to work on your goals in our regular sessions.