You’ve probably heard the word therapy used in many different contexts—counselling, psychotherapy, talking therapy, trauma therapy. But what actually is therapy? And how does it help?
If you’re curious about therapy but feel unsure, anxious, or even sceptical, you’re not alone. Many people hesitate to take that first step because they’re not quite sure what to expect. So, let’s gently explore what therapy is (and isn’t), how it works, and why it might be one of the most empowering decisions you make for yourself.
Therapy Is a Safe, Supportive Space
At its heart, therapy is a confidential, supportive space where you can talk freely and be heard without judgement. It’s a space that belongs entirely to you. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, stuck, anxious, disconnected, or unsure of what you’re feeling at all, therapy is a place to begin making sense of things.
The therapeutic relationship is built on trust. It's not about being given advice or being told what to do. It's about working together to explore your thoughts, feelings, experiences, and patterns—at a pace that feels right for you.
Therapy Is for Everyone
Therapy isn’t just for when things are at their worst. People come to therapy for many reasons:
To process difficult past experiences
To manage anxiety, stress, or depression
To understand themselves better
To navigate life changes or relationship issues
To heal from trauma or abuse
To develop healthier coping strategies
There’s no “right” or “wrong” reason to seek support. You don’t have to wait until you’re in crisis. If something’s on your mind—or has been for a while—it’s okay to want to talk about it.
What Happens in a Therapy Session?
Every therapist works a little differently, and every client’s needs are unique. But generally, sessions last around 50 minutes and take place weekly, either in person or online.
You might begin by talking about what’s brought you to therapy, or simply how you’re feeling that day. Your therapist may ask gentle questions to help you reflect more deeply, but there’s never pressure to talk about anything before you’re ready.
Over time, you may explore past experiences, current challenges, emotional patterns, and how your body responds to stress or fear—especially in trauma-informed therapy. You’ll begin to notice links, develop new ways of coping, and build a stronger, more compassionate connection with yourself.
What Therapy Is Not
It’s equally important to understand what therapy isn’t:
It’s not a quick fix or a one-size-fits-all solution
It’s not about giving advice or telling you what to do
It’s not a place where you’ll be judged, criticised, or analysed harshly
Therapy is a process. It can be challenging at times, especially as you begin to confront things you may have pushed down for years. But it can also be deeply healing, empowering, and transformative.
You Don’t Need to Have the Right Words
One common fear people have is: “What if I don’t know what to say?” That’s okay. You don’t have to come prepared with a list. You don’t need to explain yourself perfectly. You can show up exactly as you are—confused, emotional, numb, or unsure—and your therapist will meet you there, with warmth and respect.
Therapy and Trauma
If you’ve experienced trauma—whether in childhood or later in life—you may have learned to hide your pain, minimise your needs, or stay constantly on alert. Trauma therapy is a gentle, specialised approach that honours these protective responses while helping you reconnect with safety, trust, and inner stability.
You don’t have to relive everything to heal. And you don’t have to do it alone.
Reaching Out Is a Strength
Taking the first step towards therapy can feel vulnerable. It takes courage to say, “I need support” or even just, “I’m curious about this.” But that first step is often the beginning of real, lasting change.
If you're considering therapy and want to know more, I offer a free 15-minute consultation where we can talk through any questions you may have and see if working together feels like a good fit.
Therapy isn’t about fixing you. It’s about helping you feel more whole, more grounded, and more you.