Do I need to have a mental health diagnosis to see a psychologist?
No. You do not need to have a diagnosis to benefit from therapy. People seek psychological support for many reasons. You may be going through a difficult period, experiencing stress or emotional distress, struggling within a relationship, facing an important transition, or finding yourself repeating patterns that you would like to understand and change. Therapy can also be a space for greater self-understanding and personal development, even when there is no specific mental health difficulty.
How long does a psychology session last?
Both individual and couples therapy sessions last one hour. How many therapy sessions will I need? There is no predetermined number of sessions that is appropriate for everyone. Some people seek support for a specific difficulty and may benefit from relatively short-term therapy, while others choose to work over a longer period to address more complex or longstanding patterns. The duration of therapy depends on your needs, objectives and circumstances and can be discussed and reviewed together as therapy progresses. The aim is for therapy to remain useful and purposeful, rather than continuing sessions when they are no longer necessary.
Will I be told what to do?
Therapy is not about the psychologist making decisions for you or telling you how you should live your life. The role of therapy is to help you better understand yourself, your emotions, patterns and circumstances, explore different perspectives, and develop strategies that can help you make changes and choices that are meaningful and appropriate for you. Your own values, cultural background and individual circumstances remain an important part of this process.
How do I know if I should see a psychologist?
You do not need to wait until things become unmanageable before seeking psychological support. It may be helpful to speak with a psychologist if your emotions, thoughts, relationships or behaviours are causing distress, affecting your everyday life, or if you find yourself repeatedly struggling with the same difficulties or patterns. You may also choose therapy because you would like to understand yourself better, navigate a significant life transition, improve your relationships or make changes in your life.
What happens during the first psychology session?
The first session gives you an opportunity to talk about what has brought you to therapy and what you would like help with. Your psychologist will ask questions to better understand what you are currently experiencing, relevant aspects of your personal history and circumstances, and what you hope to achieve through therapy. Together, you will begin to define the objectives of therapy and discuss an approach that is appropriate to your needs. It is also an opportunity for you to ask questions and determine whether you feel comfortable with the therapeutic process.
Is therapy confidential?
Yes. Confidentiality is an essential part of the therapeutic relationship. What you share during your sessions is treated with privacy and respect, providing a safe space where you can speak openly about your experiences, thoughts and feelings. Your psychologist follows professional and ethical standards regarding confidentiality, which will be discussed with you as part of the therapeutic process.
Can couples attend therapy together?
Yes. Couples therapy provides a structured and supportive space to explore difficulties within a relationship. It can help partners better understand and modify patterns of communication, address recurring conflicts, understand each other’s emotional needs, and explore the ways in which each person experiences the relationship. The aim is not to determine who is right or wrong, but to help both partners understand what is happening between them and develop more constructive ways of communicating and relating.
What if I am not sure what I want to work on?
That is completely fine. You do not need to arrive at your first session with a clearly defined problem or therapeutic goal. Sometimes people know that something does not feel right, that they feel stuck, or that certain areas of their life are no longer working for them, without knowing exactly why. Part of the therapeutic process can be to understand what is happening and gradually identify what you would like to work towards.
