Your Guide to Therapy: Understanding the Process, Types, and Mental Health Support
This page, curated by Dr Tiffany Leung (HCPC-registered Chartered Psychologist), brings together a collection of professional, trustworthy resources to help you explore therapy. Whether you're just getting started or looking to deepen your understanding, here you’ll find clear answers to common questions and access to focused subpages covering:
What is the therapy process actually like?
What happens in the first session?
How do I choose the right therapist?
What kinds of therapy are available?
Where can I learn more about mental health and emotional wellbeing?
Let’s explore your path toward clarity, healing, and informed decisions.
What Happens in the First Therapy Session?
Your first session is a chance to lay the foundation for your therapeutic work — without pressure to explain everything at once.
Here’s a glimpse of what to expect:
-
Begin with introductions and space to share your background, current concerns, and what brings you to therapy.
-
Explore themes like past experiences, emotional wellbeing, mental health history, and future hopes.
-
You may complete a brief screening tool (e.g. PHQ-9 for depression or GAD-7 for anxiety), if helpful.
-
Together, we’ll identify which areas therapy could best support, and what outcomes you’re hoping for.
-
You’re encouraged to ask questions, clarify expectations, and ensure we’re aligned.
By the end, we’ll discuss next steps — including frequency, direction, or additional resources if needed.
How to Choose the Right Therapist
Choosing a therapist is a deeply personal — and sometimes overwhelming — decision. These principles may help guide you:
-
Check Qualifications :
Ensure your therapist is accredited by a recognised professional body (e.g. HCPC in the UK). This signals accountability, ethical standards, and evidence-based training. -
Match Their Expertise to Your Needs
Different therapists specialise in different areas — anxiety, trauma, cultural identity, grief, etc. Look for someone whose focus aligns with your current concerns.
-
Consider Their Approach
Therapists use varied models (CBT, psychodynamic, integrative, etc.). You don’t need to know them all — but it helps to understand how their approach might suit your personality or goals.
Discover our Free Resources :
Understanding Mental Health Issues
Want to learn more about specific mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, or trauma?
Explore this reliable external resource from Mind UK:
Mind is one of the UK’s leading mental health charities, offering reliable, accessible information and support on a wide range of mental health conditions. Their website is a trusted resource for learning more about symptoms, treatment options, and where to seek help.