Frequently Asked Questions
You don’t have to have everything figured out before starting therapy. It’s completely normal to have questions, especially if this is new, or if past experiences have made it harder to reach out.
What happens in the first consultation/session?
The first session is a gentle starting point. We’ll begin by exploring what has been going on for you and what has led you to reach out, at a pace that feels comfortable. You’re not expected to share everything at once, and there is no pressure to have a clear way of explaining your experience. If you’ve been in relationships where you felt misunderstood, questioned, or had to second-guess yourself, this space is different. The focus is on helping you feel heard, respected, and not rushed. The first session is also an opportunity for you to get a sense of whether this feels like the right fit for you. You’re welcome to take your time with that there is no expectation to commit immediately.
Is everything I share confidential during the sessions?
Yes. What you share in therapy is kept confidential and handled in line with professional and ethical guidelines.
What’s the difference between online and in-person sessions?
Both online and in-person sessions are equally valid and can be effective. The core of therapy remains the same a safe, confidential space to explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
Online sessions offer flexibility and comfort, allowing you to attend from a familiar environment. In-person sessions may feel more grounding for some, especially if being physically present helps you feel more connected.
The outcome of therapy is not determined by the format, but by the therapeutic relationship and the work we do together. We can choose the format that feels most comfortable and supportive for you.
What if I’m scared to start therapy?
It’s completely understandable to feel scared. If you’ve been in relationships where your feelings were dismissed, questioned, or used against you, it can feel difficult to open up again even in a safe space. That hesitation is not a weakness; it’s often a protective response.
In therapy, there is no expectation for you to share everything at once. We move at a pace that feels manageable for you, and you remain in control of what you choose to share.
Over time, the focus is on creating a space where you feel heard, respected, and able to reconnect with your own sense of clarity.
What if I don’t know what to say during the therapy consultation?
That’s completely okay. If you’ve been in environments where your thoughts or feelings were dismissed, questioned, or misunderstood, it can make it harder to find the right words or even trust what you want to say.You don’t need to come prepared. We can begin wherever you are, even if that means sitting with uncertainty or not knowing where to start. Part of the process is creating a space where your experience can unfold at your own pace.There’s no pressure to explain everything clearly. We will take it step by step, in a way that feels manageable and safe for you.
Do I need to prepare before my first session?
No preparation is needed. If you’ve been in environments where you felt the need to say the “right” thing or explain yourself clearly, it’s natural to wonder if you need to prepare. In therapy, there is no expectation to get it right. You’re welcome to come as you are even if your thoughts feel unclear or difficult to express. We can begin gently, at your pace, and make sense of things together over time.
How long will therapy process take overall?
The length of therapy varies from person to person.
If you’ve experienced narcissistic abuse or emotionally complex relationships, the impact can take time to understand and process especially if you’ve been used to questioning yourself or adapting to others. Rather than rushing the process, we move at a pace that feels manageable and supportive for you. Some clients come for a shorter period to work through a specific concern, while others choose to continue for deeper, longer-term work. We will review this together along the way, based on what feels helpful and aligned for you.
Do I need to have trauma to start therapy?
No, you don’t need to have a specific label or clear experience of trauma to begin.Many people come to therapy because they feel stuck, overwhelmed, or notice patterns in their relationships that they don’t fully understand. Sometimes, especially in experiences like narcissistic or emotionally complex relationships, it’s not always clear whether what you went through is considered “trauma” but the impact is still real. You’re welcome to come as you are, even if you’re unsure. We can explore your experience together at a pace that feels safe and manageable for you.
What if I’ve tried therapy before and it didn’t work?
That can feel discouraging.If you’ve experienced narcissistic abuse or emotionally complex relationships, it’s possible that your experiences were not fully understood or explored in a way that felt helpful. This can sometimes leave you feeling unheard or unsure if therapy can support you. Finding the right fit with a therapist is an important part of the process. Different therapists have different approaches, and feeling safe, understood, and respected in the therapeutic relationship can make a meaningful difference. We can take time to understand what didn’t feel right in your previous experience and move at a pace that feels more supportive for you now.