Therapy, how does it work?

How does therapy work? Many therapists are often asked by clients, what will happen in a session? How many times will I need to come? How much does it cost?

In truth, the answer is that it depends...

Humanistic therapists believe that the single most crucial factor and what determines therapeutic outcome is the quality of the relationship that develops between us and the client. Therapy can help people in many ways. For some, it provides a tool to understand themselves more or to work out historical issues, while others may have a particular issue that can feel like it plays out on repeat.

Some people want to be heard by someone who can listen empathically whilst taking a neutral stance. Others seek therapy to acknowledge and understand self-defeating patterns of behaviour that they want to change because it is jeopardising their health, their future plans, or their relationships with friends and families, uch as addiction and compulsive behaviours. In essence, making changes is key.

It might sound a bit predicable and possibly a bit tacky to describe therapy as a journey. It is. Some clients enter therapy with a specific outcome in mind, others come and by its process start to unravel and make sense of patterns, thoughts, feelings, reactions and relationships. Past experiences can be understood and in some cases grieved for and processed.

The journey of therapy often creates moments of clarity and new and increased self awareness. It’s also about building upon internal resources, skills, and new behaviours that you can employ in the therapy room and beyond. Thereby improving many areas of your life. Making a choice to find a therapist isn’t a sign of weakness as some people may think. I believe it’s an act of self-care to reach out for support from a professional when needed.

In terms of cost, it is a weekly commitment and an investment in your mental well being. Helping to improve the way in which you are able to manage unhelpful and self-sabotaging behavioural patterns. Whilst harnessing new ways to navigate thoughts and behaviours more effectively. The opportunity to work through historic issues is enabled. Latent feelings, are felt, grieved for and acknowledged. Losses can be left behind. With therapy, you are more able to think, respond and behave more effectively, which is most likely to have a positive impact on your relationships, your work, your health.