What happens during a therapy session?
There is a lot of uncertainty about what actually happens during a therapy session.
Often when we think about psychotherapy, we envision a patient lying down on a couch with a therapist sitting on a chair and taking notes. We might imagine that therapy involves talking about our parents, or childhood and maybe even being hypnotized.
Indeed, this is what psychoanalysis used to look like when it was first invented, and some therapists still invite their clients to lie down sometimes. However, many years have passed since Freud created psychoanalysis and talk therapy had evolved with time too.
There are many approaches to psychotherapy and this article will talk you through what to expect from a one-on-one therapy session with a qualified psychotherapist.
What happens in a therapy session
The start of the session
At the start of your session your therapist may invite you to share with them whatever is on your mind. They may ask a general, non-directive question, such as: “what brings you here”, allowing you to decide how you wish to answer. They may also remain silent after the initial greeting and allow you to begin on your own.
The exception here is your first session, as during this session you and your therapist may need to discuss specific and practical information related to the way therapy works (confidentiality, cancellation policy, GDPR etc).
What happens next?
You can think of each therapy session as a workshop or an exploration. You can bring your own “material” to every single session and it’s up to you how you wish to use your time. Sometimes you may find that you’re not sure what to say and this “not knowing” is also something that can be explored. There really isn’t the wrong thing to say during your session.
Your therapist will facilitate this process for you, they will listen, ask questions to clarify, or to guide you into different parts of the experience you’re referring to. They may offer interventions, for instance ask you to get in touch with your body and describe your physical experience. They may also remain silent for most of the session if they feel that’s the right course of action.
What does it feel like?
During or after the session, you may experience intense emotions, you could find that you get more clarity or a deeper sense of understanding. You might feel some release, or you may not feel any different at all. Often the healing journey takes time and change doesn’t happen overnight. Rather than one big release or a shift, you may notice small changes in yourself after several sessions. You may not even know exactly when the change actually happened.
How does a therapy session usually end?
Generally, sessions last between 50 to 60 minutes and it’s usually the therapist’s role to keep an eye on the time. Your therapist will let you know when your appointment is coming to an end. They may have a certain phrase they use or a question they ask that indicates that the session is coming to an end. Some therapists, especially those working in the CBT model, might give you homework to do. You may also be asked to reflect over your learnings or experiences of the session.
The importance of a holding space
An important thing to remember is that therapy is a process. It creates an opportunity to experience an environment where you can feel safe, held and heard. It’s a therapist’s role to create a space where you are supported. In that space, the therapist is present with you not just physically but mentally and emotionally. This space in therapy is called a “holding space”. When we experience being in a “holding space” repeatedly on a regular basis, this repetition becomes a healing experience in itself. In other words, as long as you feel safe with, and heard by your therapist, your therapy is moving in the right direction.
If you have any questions on how psychotherapy works and if it could be right for you, drop me an email at jlangiertherapy@gmail.com