Starting therapy can feel daunting, especially if you’ve never spoken to a therapist before. You might be unsure what to expect, how the process works, or how to know if you’ve found the right person to talk to. Understanding what therapy involves can help you feel more at ease and confident about taking that first step.
In most cases, your first session is a chance for your therapist to get to know you, and for you to get a sense of them. They’ll usually ask some questions about what’s brought you to therapy and what you’d like to work on. It’s also your opportunity to see whether their approach feels comfortable and supportive. Therapists aren’t there to judge or tell you what to do; their role is to listen, help you explore your thoughts, and guide you towards greater understanding and healthier coping strategies.
Therapy sessions typically take place weekly or fortnightly and last around an hour, though this can vary. Some people choose short-term therapy focused on a specific issue, while others continue longer term for deeper exploration and ongoing support. You should always feel safe, respected, and listened to in sessions. Therapy is a collaborative space where you and your therapist work together.
Choosing the right therapist can take time, and it’s perfectly okay to meet with more than one before deciding who feels like the best fit. Factors like their training, experience, and therapeutic approach can matter, but so does how comfortable you feel talking to them. You don’t need to have an immediate connection, but you should feel that you can be honest and understood. Many therapists offer an introductory call or consultation, which can help you get a sense of their style before committing.
If you’re looking for a therapist, it’s a good idea to check that they’re registered with a professional body such as the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP), or the British Psychological Society (BPS). These organisations ensure practitioners meet recognised standards of training and ethics.
Finding the right therapist is a personal process, and it’s okay if it takes a little while. The most important thing is that you feel supported, safe, and heard. A good therapeutic relationship can be one of the most valuable tools for improving your mental wellbeing.
Starting therapy can feel like a big step, and it’s completely normal to feel a mix of nerves, curiosity, and uncertainty before your first session...
Everyone struggles from time to time, whether it’s stress at work, relationship challenges, or difficult life changes. But how do you know when it...
.png)
Self-help is a term you’ll often see in discussions about mental health. But what does it actually mean, and how can it play a rol...
What’s the difference between stress and anxiety?
Stress and anxiety are two terms that are often confused...
.png)
Therapy offers a space to work through emotional or behavioural challenges with the support of a trained professional - whether that’s a clinical p...
.png)
When looking for mental health support, you might come across terms like psychologist, psychiatrist, and psychotherapist. While all work in mental...
We’re excited to share that Find Care Compare is now available in Wiltshire.
We’re thrilled to announce that Find Care Compare is now live in Dorset!
At Find Care Compare, we believe that access to clear,...
We’re very pleased to announce that Kateryna Abgaryan has joined Find Care Compare as our new Growth Associate.
Kateryna joins u...
We’re thrilled to welcome Marine Lamy as the newest member of the Find Care Compare team. Marine is joining us as a Marketing Assistant, where she’...
We're proud to announce our launch in the Isle of Wight, providing residents with a new and essential tool to find, compare, and access mental heal...
We are delighted to welcome Professor Stephen Scott CBE to Find Care Compare as an advisor. Professor Scott brings a wealth of experience in...
It’s been six months since we launched our MVP, and what a journey it’s been!
When we started, we had no idea just how far...
Since joining TikTok two weeks ago, Find Care Compare has reached over 130,000 views.
Why? Access to information.
&n...
We are excited to share that our platform is now available in Buckinghamshire.
As our mission is to help people and families eas...
We are excited to announce our official launch in West Sussex today. This expansion is part of our ongoing mission to make the process of selecting...
Navigating the healthcare system can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re already facing mental health challenges. Uncertain waiting times, li...
Copyright © Find Care Compare 2025 All rights reserved | Privacy Policy | Cookie Policy | Disclaimer | Terms and Conditions
Like
Dislike
Share
Comments