There’s a term used in mental health: clinically significant. This means you’re struggling with symptoms beyond what might be considered a typical range of emotional or psychological experiences, which can significantly impair your daily functioning, well-being, or quality of life.

Some signs you might benefit from therapy include persistent feelings of sadness, trouble with focus, lack of motivation, extreme mood fluctuations, difficulty in relationships, and overwhelming difficulties handling stress. If emotional or mental challenges are affecting your quality of life, considering therapy is a worthwhile step.

The typical appointment is about 53-60 minutes, and weekly sessions are encouraged. However, duration and frequency can vary depending on your needs and requests.

Sessions may begin with initial questions about how you’ve been since the last session. Your therapist will actively listen to you, asking questions to gain a deeper understanding of your experiences, emotions, and challenges. Therapy often involves exploring your thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors to gain insights into your feelings and experiences.

With help from your therapist, you may work on problem-solving and decision-making to address specific issues in your life, and have the opportunity to process and express your emotions in a safe environment. Ultimately, therapy is designed to empower you to make positive changes and improve your mental well-being.

Reflect on your goals. Try to determine what you want to work on and don’t feel too concerned if you’re not sure. Part of the therapy process is working to come up with goals together.

Keep an open mind. The point of therapy is to change what you’re doing and/or how you’re thinking. If you’re unwilling to do this, it may be difficult to experience the benefits of therapy.

Come ready to engage. Your active involvement and openness in therapy can contribute to a more productive and effective therapeutic process. Remember, it’s a collaborative effort between you and your therapist to work toward your goals.

No. And thank goodness! Each therapist is unique in their communication, personality, philosophy, and therapeutic modalities. Because of this, it's important to find a therapist with whom you feel comfortable. Quality therapeutic relationships are built on trust, rapport, and collaboration.

Trust your instincts and choose someone with whom you feel you can communicate openly.

Typically, the term therapist is general and refers to a clinician who has completed a master's degree and is licensed to treat mental health issues with counseling services or talk-therapy.

Psychologists can provide psychological testing for individuals, schools, courts, and other entities instead of, or in addition to, counseling services.

Psychiatrists tend not to provide talk therapy/counseling services and they treat mental health disorders with medication instead.

Therapists may refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist if testing or medication would be beneficial. However, medication is not a replacement for talk-therapy.