7 little tricks that will help you start Therapy (by an Expert)

Starting a day right depends a lot on the breakfast we eat. Similarly, in therapy, the start of
the journey makes a big difference whether you will continue or take a step back (aka drop
out).

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Getting started is challenging, but now that you have made your mind to give this a try. Let
us break down the task into small steps and considerations to make the climb up easier!

Take your time! Please take time to figure out your reasons for being in therapy are. Set
your intentions right and let's be realistic with our goals.

That being said, there is no right time to start therapy, but only when you are ready! The work
that you do with your therapist can be preventive and/or restorative.

One Size does not fit all

The therapist-client fit is a crucial to your growth and progress. So, take your time, do a
thorough research before finalizing on your therapist.

Some useful questions to ask and filter out potential psychotherapists are:

 Credentials - A licensed mental health professional would be your best bet. But
mental health is not a regulated profession in most countries. A good starting point
would be to ensure you are seeing an individual who has completed their Master's
degree (i.e. they have a minimum of 2 years of training).

 Experience– The number of years that they have been practising can be an important
marker. At this stage, I would not rule out younger professionals completely. But it
would be a good idea to check for their experience of working with problems similar
to yours.
  Approach or Therapeutic Style– There are many therapy approaches and it can be
overwhelming to pick the 'right therapist' for yourself. Consider you have a buffet of
options, just like breakfast. Some useful questions you could check for are: the nature
of their approach (directive/non-directive and problem-focused or solution focused),
timing (short-term/long-term), if they are trauma-informed, presence of homework
tasks, experiential body work and also their attitude towards alternate therapies.

 Mode – We have all adapted to a new normal; working remote! Research shows
online therapy is quickly catching up to traditional face-to-face sessions. Check if the
therapist practises online, offline or both.

 Fees – Session charges can be a major deal breaker. To avoid problems with the
same, I have a simple trick. Set aside a fixed (ball-park) therapy budget for a month,
before you even start. Check if you can maintain the same, and then approach the
same with the professional. It is okay if you cannot afford a therapist, you will find
another! Most therapists have a referral system, and might direct you to the right
sources.

Many therapists offer discovery calls to check for fit and understand your concerns. Make use
of this opportunity and embark on one of the most beautiful journeys of your life!

To book a discovery call with me, write to me on drishtijaisingh2608@gmail.com