What Does Going to Therapy Really Feel Like?

Thinking about therapy can feel like a big step. Maybe it’s been on your mind for a while, or perhaps something happened recently that made you stop and think, “I need to talk to someone.”

Making that decision is important in itself. But I know that what often feels hardest is the step that comes next—actually reaching out.

Taking the First Step: Reaching Out

For many of my clients, writing that first email or picking up the phone felt like the scariest part.

You might find yourself typing, deleting, rewriting, and hesitating over the “send” button. Thoughts like these often creep in:

Am I making too much of this?
What if I can’t explain myself properly?
What if they think I’m overreacting?

If that sounds familiar, please know—it’s completely normal. I understand how much courage it takes to make contact. Even a simple, “Hi, I think I might need some help,” is a huge step forward.

The First Call: Finding Your Words

If you’d like a short call with me before booking, it’s natural to feel nervous. You may worry about forgetting what to say or sounding silly.

But you don’t need to have everything worked out. I don’t expect you to arrive with a perfectly clear explanation of what’s going on. Our first call is simply a gentle conversation, a chance for you to ask questions and for us to see if we feel comfortable working together. And if emotions come up—that’s okay. That’s part of the process.

The First Session: Settling In

Walking into your first session (or logging onto Zoom) can bring a mix of relief and anxiety. You may wonder:

What if I cry straight away?
What if I don’t know where to begin?
What if I say too much and regret it later?

These thoughts are completely normal. My role isn’t to judge—I’m here to listen, to support you, and to work at your pace.

Our first session is usually about getting to know each other. You don’t need to share everything at once. Some people leave feeling lighter, others feel drained, and both are perfectly valid.

What It’s Like to Be Heard

One of the most powerful parts of counselling is the experience of being truly listened to. No interruptions, no comparisons, no advice that starts with, “You should…” Just space that’s yours.

For many people, this is the first time they’ve had that experience, and it can feel both strange and deeply relieving. Over time, it can help you untangle what’s been going on inside and begin to make sense of it.

What to Expect from Therapy

Some of the benefits my clients notice:

Having a safe, confidential space where nothing feels “too much.”
Gaining clarity about their thoughts and feelings.
Learning new ways to cope with challenges.
The relief of sharing things they’ve held onto alone for a long time.

Some of the challenges:

Sessions can sometimes bring up painful emotions.
You might feel tired afterwards, especially in the early stages.
It can take time to find the right counsellor (and that’s okay—if I’m not the right fit, I’ll always encourage you to keep looking until you find someone who is).

Counselling isn’t about “fixing” you—you’re not broken. It’s about supporting you to understand yourself better and find new ways forward.

Knowing When It’s Time to Stop

Therapy doesn’t have to be forever. Some people come for a handful of sessions, others for longer—it’s always your choice.

You may feel ready to stop when:

You notice you’re coping more easily in daily life.
You find you’re going over the same things without much new insight.
You simply feel it’s the right time to step back.

A Final Word

So—what does therapy feel like?

In my counselling room, it feels like having the space to breathe, to be heard, and to begin piecing things together at your own pace. Some sessions may feel heavy, others lighter—you might even find yourself laughing as often as crying.

If you’re hesitating, that’s okay. It’s normal to feel nervous, unsure, or even a little scared. But you don’t need to have it all figured out before you begin—that’s what therapy is for!

Taking that first step can feel uncertain, but it might also be the beginning of something healing and life-changing.

If you feel like you want to take that first step, you can reach me through the Get in Touch tab on the Home page.

COUNSELLING near Newton Abbot, South Devon