What happens when I begin therapy?

Your decision to be in therapy is an important step on your path to healing. Beginning therapy can also be stressful when you don’t know what to expect. So, here is some information that may be helpful:

Will everything I say to my therapist remain confidential?
Yes. Your therapist cannot give written or verbal information about you to anyone without your written permission. Your therapist will make notes about your sessions that become part of your secure “medical record.” The medical record serves as legal documentation of your treatment, as well as a source of communication between professionals involved in your treatment. The notes will also document your progress and serve as a guide in the treatment process. Should you be involved with the court system, only a judge, not an attorney, has the authority to get a copy of your medical record without your permission. Insurance companies that are paying for your counseling also have a right to information in your medical record.
Your safety and the safety of others is always your therapist’s primary concern. Should you indicate that you intend to hurt yourself or someone else, your therapist would be obligated to contact the appropriate authority. Also, should you disclose incidents of spouse abuse or child abuse, your therapist would be obligated to notify the Department of Protection and Permanency or the police. These reports must be made, according to law.

What happens in the first few sessions?
You will be asked to provide information about your past: your family, your education, your work, your health and your abuse experiences. It will also be important to describe how you have been feeling and what bothers you the most. By talking about these things you will begin to get a better idea about what you want to be different in your life. Also, your therapist will be able to describe “diagnostically” what your “symptoms” mean. A plan will be outlined to “spell out” what you will do and what your therapist will do to make the changes that are important to you. An initial commitment of at least three months is usually needed.

What happens during on-going therapy?
After you and your therapist have put together a “treatment plan”, you will begin the “work” of therapy. The process of therapy is individualized and a variety of methods and techniques may be used during treatment. Regardless of the treatment approach, several common elements should exist for you including: a sense of safety and support, a sense of self-determination and empowerment, and a feeling of being heard and respected.

What happens when I am done with therapy?
The process of ending therapy should include a review of the treatment goals, the progress accomplished, and a mutual agreement by you and your therapist that the resolution of the problem is satisfactory. The ultimate goal is not perfection but rather a sense of growth, empowerment, and readiness to utilize the inner strengths and abilities we all possess.

 

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