A therapy session is a dynamic, structured hour in which clients explore their thoughts and feelings with a trained professional. It is an evidence-based intervention that aims to facilitate positive changes in the client’s mental health and overall functionality. A therapy session may look overwhelming on the outside; however, it helps promote positive change in an individual’s behavior.
The therapy session is a brave step a person can take towards a healthy mind. However, in Mumbai and the rest of the country, the process remains a mystery and is surrounded by social stigma. If you are a resident of Mumbai looking to start therapy, this guide will help you understand the process and what you can expect. If you are in a hurry, Alpha Healing Center is a premier rehab with the best therapists to help patients suffering from various ailments.
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What is a Therapy Session
A therapy session is a safe space dedicated to a client’s mental well-being. It is a non-judgmental space where a therapist listens to the client’s concerns and supports them in coping with their problems. The therapists set goals and use psychological techniques to process these painful experiences and develop coping mechanisms.
The Initial Contact
The initial contact is the most intimidating and most crucial step. Let’s understand the first steps.
Research and Selection
The process usually starts by finding the right therapists through online directories. Try to find a reliable and licensed clinical psychologist if you are seeking help for mental health disorders. Identify which type of ailments they are specialised in to fit your needs.
First Contact/Email
Once you have identified the therapist, you or a family member will need to contact them. In the initial call, they may ask about the type of help you need and the duration of the ailment. They will discuss their fees and ask whether you are specifically looking for certain therapies.
The Foundation Session
The intake session is an important part of therapy, as it gives you an idea of the therapist and their approach. The session doesn’t focus on problem-solving but on gathering necessary information. On this day, you spend time
- Filling Forms: Clients will fill out a consent form and sign a confidentiality agreement. Additionally, they will complete a basic mental health questionnaire to help the therapist identify the problem.
- Clinical Interview: The therapist will ask a broad range of questions about your life and mental problems. They will look into the personal family history, work conditions, and any childhood trauma. The therapist will also ask for specific therapy goals and any challenges they face. This will help them get a comprehensive picture and design a plan for your sessions.
- Setting Expectations: The therapist will explain their operating style, the frequency of sessions, and the treatment structure.
Regular Sessions: The Heart of the Work
Once the initial phase is completed, the core phase of therapy begins. The content of the meetings may change each week, but the structure remains the same. A 1-hour therapy session may look like this:
The Check-in (The First 5–10 Minutes)
The session begins with a quick recap, followed by a review of how the week has been and what is on the client’s mind. They will also discuss any homework assigned to the client. This will help them better address the session.
The Deep Dive (The Middle 35–40 Minutes)
The main therapeutic work starts in this phase as the client describes their recurrent feeling or persistent problem. The therapist will act as a skilled listener and ask questions to understand the condition better.
Depending on the therapeutic approach, the therapist will focus on
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT helps identify and challenge negative behaviors that contribute to illness. The therapy aims to build coping mechanisms and strategies to manage triggers and cravings.
- Psychodynamic Therapy: The therapy explores past relationships and issues. This helps individuals understand how they are influencing their current patterns and relationships.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): DBT helps individuals learn skills to manage painful emotions and reduce conflict.
- Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT): The therapy focuses on the future and identifying existing strengths. It is designed to understand what the problem that is solved looks like.
Therapy offers a safe space to feel and process different emotions, and it involves a quick realization of your current situation. The therapist doesn’t judge you, but helps process the feeling safely.
The Closure and Homework (The Final 5–10 Minutes)
The session is neatly wrapped, and the key insights and themes are discussed. The work then extends to homework, as change needs to happen beyond the room. This is followed by scheduling the next session’s date.
Duration and Frequency
The length of therapy varies based on the client’s needs and their goals. Some people find therapy for a few months sufficient, while others benefit from long-term support. Sessions usually last for 50-60 minutes and occur weekly in the initial stages. Over time, the frequency decreases, and sessions may be monthly.
The Final Session and Preparing for Life After Therapy
As your therapy journey comes to an end, your therapist will help you reflect on your process. In this phase, you know you have achieved in a short time, but are uncertain about what you must face later. However, your therapist will equip you with tools to manage these challenges. It is important to ask questions and be confident in the steps you’ll take after the session ends.
Finding the Right Therapists
The sheer size of Mumbai makes finding the right match a tough decision. However, you can find the right therapists by looking into these factors.
- Checking for the fit: A successful therapy program requires a good alliance between the therapist and the client. A therapist should be a good listener and should be respectful and non-judgmental of your condition.
- Language: Find a therapist who is competent in the language you are more comfortable with. Don’t hesitate to ask about this detail.
- Vetting the credentials: The term therapist or counselor is not strictly regulated. To ensure professionalism, verify registration and ensure accreditation is up to date.
Frequently Asked Questions
A therapy session is confidential and professionally designed solely for your growth. A friend provides support and compassion, but doesn’t use evidence-based techniques to help facilitate change.
A standard therapy session lasts 50-60 minutes. In the initial phase, weekly sessions are recommended, but with time, it can shift to monthly sessions.
It is okay if you don’t find the right therapist at first. It is good to look around until you discover a therapist who won’t judge or make you uncomfortable.
