by Amanda Sladky, A Doxa Counselor
Have you ever wondered what actually happens in a counseling session or what a mental
health therapist, or counselor (those terms can often be used interchangeably) really does? You
are not alone! Due to uncertainty or intimidation of the unknown, many people struggle with
reaching out for support.
What is a Mental Health Therapist?
A mental health therapist is a trained professional who helps individuals, couples, or families
navigate emotional, behavioral, and psychological challenges. Depending on their training, titles
may vary such as Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Marriage and Family
Therapist (LMFT), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), or Psychologist (PhD/PsyD). Some
titles even vary based on the state you are in.
Each title holds a different training, but we all generally share the same goal: to support you in
understanding yourself better and in improving your quality of life.
What does a Therapy Session Look Like?
Experiences can vary depending on the therapist’s training and/or approach, your unique goals,
and your effort in the process. Most sessions can involve:
● Setting goals: Therapy is a collaborative process to identify what you want to change,
improve, and/or explore.
● Talking things through: We explore what is on your mind like stress, relationships, past
trauma, or current decisions.
● Addressing the emotions: When we don’t acknowledge or address our emotions, they
will eventually start to come out somehow. Pausing to think about how we felt or feel is a
valuable part of therapy.
● Building insight: Sometimes as you begin to explore and move toward your therapeutic
goals, you start to become aware of patterns or thoughts you hadn’t noticed before,
helping you make more empowered choices.
● Learning tools: Depending on your needs and goals, techniques like mindfulness,
communication strategies, or other therapeutic (CBT, DBT) tools may be introduced.
Therapy is about being heard without judgement, gaining clarity and insight, learning and
practicing new coping strategies, and making meaningful changes in your life. Therapy is where
you can feel heard, cared for, valued, and seen.Therapy sessions are centered around you. Some sessions are emotional while others are
strategic. Some sessions feel hard, others are full of relief. Therapy sessions are not always
easy, but I believe the outcome is well worth the journey.
Reasons People See a Therapist
Being in crisis is not the only reason to start therapy. In fact, it can be very beneficial to start
therapy before a crisis as a preventative measure.
Some reasons people seek therapy are:
Anxiety or stress
Depression or mood shifts
Relationship concerns or communication difficulties
Life transitions (career changes, loss, parenthood, moving to a new place)
Trauma or past abuse
Low self-esteem or self-image
Burnout
Anger Management
And many more. It is reason enough to not know what is going on with you, but you just feel off.
You don’t need a referral, a diagnosis, or even know what to say. You just need to be willing to
show up!
Final Thoughts
Seeing a therapist is an act of courage! It takes courage and self-awareness to reach out and
ask for support. The hardest part is reaching out and walking (or logging) in to that first
appointment.
If you’re curious about how therapy could support you, feel free to reach out. I encourage you to
take that first bold step to reach out! My hope is that I can create a safe place for you to explore
your deepest parts while feeling supported and accepted. I would love to come alongside you in
the midst of your journey and witness your growth. Below is a link to request an appointment
with Amanda.