The Therapeutic Process: What to expect
Author: Erin Nobles Crook, BA, BSW, MSW
Entering into therapy can feel a little daunting if you are not familiar with it or if you have had a bad experience in the past. Counselling sessions are often associated with needing to be vulnerable and knowing that we might have to face some difficult truths. Trying therapy out for the first time, or with a new therapist, is overwhelming at best, so I felt it would be helpful to provide a layout of what to expect, and hopefully ease any anxieties about the process.
Because therapy is not something tangible that we can hold or see, using the analogy of building a house can be a helpful way to grasp the concept. Here are some of the stages that relate
The blueprint (Assessment) - This is where we get to know each other and take a look at what we are working with and what you would like to change/improve. We will learn about the space and go through it thoroughly to find the strengths and figure out how & where you’d like to make adjustments. We develop a plan and decide whether or not I am the right contractor for the job. Maybe you aren’t quite sure what you’d like to change but know your space isn’t working for you and just want some professional insight. Duration: 1-2 sessions, and ongoing revisions and checking back throughout the process
Renovation (Case formulation and use of therapeutic interventions) - This phase comes after nailing down what work is needed and feeling comfortable and trusting about working together. We find the rights tools for the job, try some new things and build towards the overall goals of the revised blueprint. It is very typical for things to not go according to plan and have unexpected challenges pop up, which is all accounted for in the process. We simply adjust and continue moving forward to the previous goal or even establish a new one if desired. You also get to decide what you have the capacity or budget for. We are not always equipped to tackle everything. Duration: Varies based on presenting issues, on average 6-8 sessions
Walkthrough (Review of progress and celebration) - This stage is taking a step back to look at all of the work that has been done. Reviewing what went well, what didn’t and how we can use these new tools and skillsets for future projects. We celebrate the progress that has been made and consider whether there might be future projects to tackle. Duration: 1-2 sessions
Maintenance (Follow up and fine tuning) - Every renovation needs updates, adjustments or just regular maintenance by times. When something is not going the way you had envisioned, you go back to the drawing board and reassess what needs some more work. Sometimes that means starting over fresh, while other times that means a few minor changes or just checking in with your skills again. Duration: As needed
You are in the drivers seat to decide what the therapy process looks like. As we are all unique individuals, there is no one size fits all approach. Modern day therapy works to blend treatment modalities to best suit your needs. Your mental health is very deserving of being invested in and is at the core of how each of us shows up in this world.
