How to Start Therapy: 4 Simple Steps to Begin Your Psychotherapy Journey

Starting therapy can feel both hopeful and overwhelming, especially if you are not sure how psychotherapy works or what to expect. This blog explain the therapy journey into four clear and simple steps. The intent is to give you the information you need to feel more informed, grounded, and confident as you begin.

Starting therapy can feel like a big step. You might be wondering:
What actually happens?
What do I say?
How do I choose the right therapist?
Is this going to be awkward?

If you are feeling unsure, you are not alone.

Beginning therapy doesn’t have to feel overwhelming or mysterious. It doesn’t require having the “right words,” perfectly defined goals listed in alphabetical order, or a crisis-level reason to begin. It simply starts with curiosity and a willingness to explore what might feel different if you started this process.

Below, I am sharing a roadmap that describes what getting started with therapy looks like at Spring Bloom Psychotherapy.

Reaching out is often the hardest part.

It can bring up vulnerability, doubt, or even that not so quiet inner voice that says, “maybe my struggles aren’t hard enough to merit help.” If that is happening, please know that it is incredibly common.

When you contact me through my website, by email, or by phone, the process is simple and low pressure. Typically, we begin with a free consultation. This is a chance for you to:

Ask questions (there are no bad questions, and it’s also ok if you have no questions yet)

Share a bit about what’s bringing you to seek therapy

Get a feel for how I work

See if we feel like a good fit

There is no commitment required after that conversation. My goal is to create a space where you can gather the information you need to make an informed decision about working with me.

This step is important because the way I work is not one-size-fits-all.

The more I understand you, the more intentionally we can shape our work around what feels most important and supportive to you. This is also a great place to let me know what your goals are, share any boundaries you have about therapy and mention any specific modalities you would like to integrate. The more I know about you and your expectations, the better!

I like to think of this step like planting seeds. During this part of the process we start preparing the soil so that your therapy journey can bloom!

This step is when we become therapy official!

It can feel like the exciting beginning of a new journey and also bring up some nerves. Both can be true!

Many people come in feeling unsure where to start, or worried that they will “do therapy wrong.” That is totally understandable and I want to reassure you that there is no “right or wrong” way to do therapy.

During our first session, we will gently explore what is bringing you here right now. We will talk about what feels heavy, what feels stuck, and what you might hope could feel different. We will also continue to discuss any boundaries, questions or expectations you have about the therapy process. All of this with the aim to help you feel as safe, informed and grounded as possible.

You will get to set the pace.
If you need to go slowly, we go slowly.
If you are ready to dive deeper, we follow that.

My role is to create a space that feels steady, non-judgmental, and collaborative. A space where your voice matters and your experience is taken seriously.

The first session is less about “fixing” anything and more about beginning to build safety and trust. From there, the work can begin to unfold.

So… if any of this intrigues you. I invite you to take the first step and reach out for a free consultation. I would love to connect.