8 Therapy Tips For Beginners

Hi I’m Lauren Larkin, LMHC, founder and therapist here at LEL Therapy. I’ve been a practicing therapist since 2019, and in my time working with clients I’ve collected some very important therapy tips. Especially if you’re new to therapy, unfamiliar with what therapy services look like, or haven’t been to therapy since you were younger, here are my biggest therapy tips for beginners so you know what to expect:

1. Take Advantage of Free Consultation Calls

Before committing to a therapist, consider scheduling free 15-minute consultation calls. These initial conversations allow you to share your needs and learn a bit about the therapist’s style. It’s a chance to gauge comfort and rapport before diving into deeper sessions. If a therapist doesn’t offer these consultations, it might be a red flag. Everyone on my team provides this service, emphasizing its importance. Always ask about a consultation before booking!

2. Allow Time for Trust and Safety to Develop

Building a trusting relationship with your therapist takes time. It’s perfectly okay if you don’t feel ready to open up immediately. This gradual process is a significant aspect of the therapeutic work. As you become more comfortable, you’ll likely feel more at ease sharing your past and present experiences. Rushing this process can overload your nervous system, making it harder to engage fully. Trust the process and give yourself permission to take your time.

3. You Won’t Be Doing All the Talking

Many people worry about feeling pressured to talk throughout the entire session, often influenced by how therapy is portrayed in movies. Fortunately, most modern therapists engage in a dynamic dialogue. They will ask questions, seek clarifications, and gently challenge your thoughts when appropriate. If you’re unsure what to talk about, remember that therapists are trained to guide the conversation. You don’t have to carry the weight of the discussion alone!

7. Honesty and Openness Are Essential

Honesty is the cornerstone of effective therapy. If you find it challenging to be open with your therapist, it may signal that the fit isn’t right. A good therapeutic relationship should feel safe enough for you to express your true feelings and thoughts. If you’ve been working together for a while but still struggle with transparency, it might be time to reassess your options and seek someone who aligns better with your needs.

8. Understand the Balance of Real Relationship and Professional Boundaries

The therapeutic relationship is indeed real and significant; it can be deeply transformative. However, maintaining professional boundaries is equally essential. Therapists are trained to hold these boundaries ethically, which allows for a safe and structured environment. Remember, therapists cannot be friends outside of the therapeutic context, even if personal connections develop. This professional distance ensures that your therapeutic work remains focused and beneficial.

If you are ready to start therapy today and these tips have been helpful to you, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team today to schedule a consultation call.

4. Time Management Is the Therapist’s Responsibility

It’s natural to feel anxious about session timing, but rest assured that it’s your therapist’s responsibility to manage the clock. Focus on the discussion at hand without fretting about when it might end. If you prefer a heads-up that your session is nearing its close, discuss this with your therapist. Together, you can establish a comfortable signal that helps you wrap things up without feeling rushed.

5. Advocate for Your Needs

Therapy is a collaborative process between you or you as a couple and the therapist, and open dialogue is essential. Don’t hesitate to express what you like, what you need more of, or anything that doesn’t sit well with you. Good therapists will check in periodically to ensure you’re getting the most out of your sessions, but if they don’t, feel free to initiate the conversation. At my practice, LEL Therapy, we encourage ongoing discussions about the therapeutic relationship to ensure clients’ needs are met.

6. Consistency Is Key

To truly benefit from therapy, consistency is crucial. Committing to regular sessions helps build a solid foundation of trust and safety, allowing you to delve deeper into your experiences. Many therapists recommend starting with weekly sessions to establish this connection. Remember, progress can stall if you only attend sporadically, as it might turn into a recap of your week rather than a deeper exploration of underlying issues.