Heavy Minds Counseling with Heather

Starting Therapy: Getting Past the Hardest Part

People start therapy for all sorts of reasons — stress, relationships, loss, self-discovery, or simply feeling “stuck.” Whatever brings you here, I often find that starting is the hardest part.

Getting over the stigma, making time in your schedule, and navigating insurance coverage are the first hurdles. Once those pieces are in place, your first appointment should feel much easier — maybe even a relief.

When you arrive, pay attention to how the space and the timing feel to you. Do you like the office environment? Does the therapist’s schedule fit with your life? Sometimes it’s not the perfect fit right away, but giving that first session a fair chance helps you more than it helps the therapist. It’s your time to see what feels comfortable, not a test you have to pass.

An intake session with a therapist should feel like a conversation, not an interrogation. Personally, I make it a point not to take notes or type during an intake. My goal is to connect and listen, not to record. Still, there are a few important things I’ll ask about — such as whether spirituality plays a role in your life, any past military experience or legal history, your education, and your goals for therapy. These details help me understand where you’re coming from and how to support you best.

Starting therapy isn’t always easy, but it’s one of the most empowering choices you can make. The first step can be uncomfortable, but it opens the door to self-awareness, healing, and lasting change.