Here you’ll find some of the most often frequently asked questions when it comes to therapy and what to expect. Often it can be intimidating to start something when you don’t know what to expect. Reduce your uncertainty by checking out this list of questions and answers! Still don’t see an answer to what you’re looking for? No problem, get in touch with us and we will do our best to help you find the answer you’re looking for!
What is therapy?
Therapy is a series of conversations that are professionally guided to achieve mental health goals. It is different than talking with a friend. The counsellor is trained in methods and modalities which have research to support their effectiveness in helping. Regardless of the modality, therapy seeks to achieve agreed-upon goals that the client and therapist co-create as the focus.
In this way, therapy has a purpose, and a defined beginning and end.
What is a Modality? 
A modality is an approach to therapy to guide the process. Much like a firefighter might approach a barn fire with a different tactic to a car fire; so too will a therapist approach different mental health concerns with a different approach. Sometimes the same approach will not work for some people. Sometimes a counsellor might “borrow” from several modalities, called a multi-modal or eclectic therapeutic approach.
A good therapist will work with you to find the best approach to treat your specific needs. Just as that firefighter will adjust their technique for fighting a fire dependent upon what’s in the barn or how many people are in the car; so too will your unique circumstances require changes and alterations to therapy techniques.
Will I be in Therapy Forever?
The goal of therapy is not to keep you in it forever. After working with your therapist through a course of treatment, the focus will be on teaching skills and tools that you can use in the future for similar situations as they arise. In this way, we work to improve resilience and independence. Sometimes a client may need a longer time in therapy and sometimes it is necessary to return to therapy and that’s OK.
Either way, the goal remains that you will find yourself better able to handle situations, emotions, and thoughts in the future. We seek to empower not be your saviour.
Will My Information Be Shared With Others?
The benefit of working with a therapist is that they are required to maintain confidentiality. This means that what you speak to the therapist about is not shared with others. Sometimes a therapist may be required to share information, these exceptions are few and far between but bear mentioning.
- If the therapist has reason to believe the client poses a physical or psychological risk to themselves (i.e. suicide) or someone else (i.e. assault)
- If there is the disclosure of a child who is at risk of harm, which includes historical admissions of child abuse if that person could still be able to harm a child.
- A legal court subpoena or another requirement to disclose or provide information.
- As evidence, if there is a complaint against the therapist for negligence etc.
In most cases, the therapist will be in contact with you regarding the requirement to disclose information. Further they will only provide the necessary information to satisfy the request. If you have any questions about this please reach out for further information!
What Happens the First Time In Therapy?
Therapy is different for every individual but there are some commonalities. Firstly, the therapist will be there to answer any questions you have. Don’t be afraid, to be honest about your thoughts/feelings/opinions on therapy. Next, you will likely have filled in forms with basic information about you, so goal setting will take place. Selecting goals leads the counsellor to determine possible approaches to therapy. Together a decision on the best course of action will lay the groundwork for session length, duration of treatment, etc.
In subsequent sessions, the goals and approach(es) will but used to guide sessions and keep on track. Ratings will assess treatment effectiveness and guide therapy. Your active participation in the process allows the greatest possibility for success with therapy.
My Job Requires Me to Be Mentally Available, Will Therapy ‘Ruin Me’? 
This question comes up a lot from uniformed professionals (firefighters, police, paramedics, doctors/nurses, etc.) and that’s understandable! Performing your duties requires emotional suppression and now, we’re asking you to open up those carefully stowed emotions and share them. But this societal and job requirement often leaves uniformed professionals floundering at home alone. They are left trying to tackle the horrors they have seen or experienced without an understanding of how.
Starting therapy can therefore feel like opening a shaken pop. You’re wondering how you might put the lid back on as all the fizzy stuff bursts out. Therapy will move at a pace that seeks to keep you focused and able to tolerate the information you are sharing. It will be difficult but you will learn techniques and methods to return to a state of calm. Still uncertain? Why not try a 15-minute free phone call to investigate the process further?
Can’t I Just Take a Pill?
Interestingly, research has shown that medication alone is not usually the most effective method. This is especially true for post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression. Either way, a psychotherapist may not prescribe, advise on, or change medications in Canada. If you are in search of a prescription for your mental health concerns you will need to consult your doctor or a psychiatrist.
One more nugget to help encourage you to try the benefits of therapy. Consider a plugged drain. One could continue to pour drain cleaner into it but if there is a blockage it’s best to clear it.