What to Expect When Starting Therapy with Connected Threads

Starting therapy is a big step and it's really normal to feel a mix of emotions. Whether you have never seen a psychologist before or you're returning to therapy after some time away, people often have questions about what to expect as they start the process.

My aim is to make this process feel as safe, supportive, and straight forward as possible from the very beginning.

Your First Session: Getting to Know You

Your first session is all about getting to know you, at your pace and discussing what you feel ready to share.

Our session could cover a variety of areas, from basic information e.g. what you do, who you live with to exploring what has brought you to therapy & what you are hoping to work on. You don't need to have everything figured out or know exactly what to say. That is part of this process.

What you can expect:

• A gentle, guided conversation at your pace

• Space to share as much or as little as you feel comfortable

• Questions about history (as appropriate & ready), relationships, coping strategies, and/or supports

• Exploration of what's been feeling difficult lately

• Clarification of what you're hoping to get out of therapy

• An introduction to how I work as a psychologist

There is no pressure to immediately explore in depth. Often this first session is simply about feeling safe enough to begin & deciding whether it feels like a good fit.

What Happens After the First Session?

As we continue, therapy will become more collaborative and tailored to you. I use a range of evidence-based therapies to support you in a way that suits you.

Together we could:

• Explore patterns in your thoughts, emotions & relationships

• Support nervous system regulation and help you feel safer in your body

• Build practical tools to support emotional regulation & wellbeing

• Work on self compassion practices and reducing tendencies towards self criticism

• Understand how past experiences (including trauma & attachment patterns) may be shaping your present

• Work towards meaningful, sustainable change

Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach, therapy will be shaped around you & what you wish to gain out of it. It will be based around your goals, your experiences & at your pace.

How Long Will Therapy Last?

This is one of the most common questions and the honest answer is: it depends.

Some people come for short term, focused support e.g. 6-10 sessions with a particular goal or behaviour change in mind, while others choose longer term therapy to explore deeper patterns & experiences.

The length of therapy can be influenced by:

• Your goals & what you'd like to work on

• The complexity of what you're navigating

• Your pace & readiness for change

We will regularly check in about how therapy is going & what feels most helpful for you.

What Can You Expect Therapy with Me to Look Like?

People often wonder what the "style" of therapy will be.

In our work together, you can expect:

• Warmth, compassion, & a non-judgemental space

• A trauma-informed & attachment-focused approach

• Gentle curiosity; not pressure or overwhelm

• A balance of insight & practical support

  
  

My role as a psychologist is not to “fix” you, but to walk alongside you. I aim to help you to better understand yourself, feel more regulated, and move toward the life you want.

It's Okay to Feel Unsure

Starting therapy doesn’t require certainty, just a willingness to begin.

It’s okay if you feel nervous. It's okay if you’re not sure where to begin. It's okay if part of you isn’t sure this will help.

Therapy is a space where we can figure things out together.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you're looking for a psychologist on Sydney's North Shore (Pymble) or online via telehealth, you're welcome to reach out to learn more or to book an initial appointment.