FAQs
What should I expect in my first therapy session?
In your first therapy session, you can expect a relaxed conversation where we simply get to know each other. We’ll ask what brought you here and what you’d like to work on, but there’s no pressure to share everything right away. Think of it as your space to talk about your life, be heard, and start creating a plan together.
How many EMDR therapy sessions will I need for anxiety?
When people ask how many EMDR sessions they’ll need for anxiety, the honest answer is that it varies. Some people notice changes after just a few sessions, while others need more time. We’ll always go at your pace, check in on how you’re feeling, and let your brain do the healing once the right space and tools are in place.
How do I know if I'm ready for therapy?
If you’re wondering how to know if you’re ready for therapy, the truth is there’s no perfect time or feeling that signals readiness. Some people start therapy when they’re struggling, while others come because they want to grow or understand themselves better. Feeling nervous, curious, or unsure is completely normal. Therapy is simply a space to explore whatever’s on your mind whenever you feel like having that conversation..
How often should I go to therapy?
People often ask how often they should go to therapy, but there isn’t one schedule that fits everyone. Some find weekly sessions helpful, while others prefer every other week or once a month. Together, you and your therapist can decide what frequency works best for your goals, situation, and schedule..
Can therapy help if I don't have major trauma?
A common question is whether therapy helps if you don’t have major trauma, and the answer is yes. Therapy isn’t only for big, life-changing events. Many people come to talk about everyday concerns like stress, relationships, or personal growth. If something matters to you, it’s worth bringing into therapy, there’s no minimum level of difficulty required.
Why do I feel so stuck in my head all the time?
If you’re wondering why you feel stuck in your head all the time, it’s often your mind’s way of staying in control or keeping you safe. Overthinking and replaying situations usually show up when your nervous system doesn’t feel grounded. It’s a common response, especially if you’ve learned that thinking through every scenario might help prevent problems or pain. Being "stuck in your head" usually happens when your nervous system doesn't feel safe enough to relax into your body.
How do I stop feeling like I'm not good enough?
“Not good enough" is often a learned belief, not a fact about who you are. This feeling usually comes from experiences where love, acceptance, or safety felt conditional on your performance. You are enough exactly as you are, learning to believe that is often about healing old wounds, not fixing current flaws.
Why do I need constant validation from others?
If you find yourself asking why you need constant validation from others, it usually means your sense of worth was shaped by other people’s approval. This isn’t weakness or neediness, it’s your mind’s way of trying to feel safe and valued. Therapy can help you learn to validate yourself and slowly trust your own opinion more than outside approval.
Why do I keep repeating the same patterns in relationships?
People often wonder why they keep repeating the same patterns in relationships. These patterns aren’t character flaws , they’re strategies your brain developed to help you connect and stay safe based on past experiences. Therapy can help you notice these patterns and create new ways of relating that feel healthier.
Is it normal to feel anxious even when everything is going well?
Yes, it is normal to feel anxious even when life seems to be going well. Many people experience this, and it can feel confusing when you think you “should” be happy. Sometimes your nervous system interprets success or calm moments as unfamiliar, so it stays alert. That doesn’t mean something is wrong — it’s simply your mind trying to prepare or protect you.
What's wrong with me that I can't just get over this?
Nothing is wrong with you. Some experiences stick with us longer than others, and that's completely human. Your mind holds onto things for reasons that made sense at the time. "Getting over it" isn't always about moving on quickly, sometimes it's about understanding what you're carrying and finding gentler ways to process it.
Why do I struggle to accept compliments or praise?
If you struggle to accept compliments or praise, it may be because recognition once felt unpredictable or conditional. Your mind might deflect positive feedback as a way to stay humble or to avoid disappointment. Over time, therapy can help you practise receiving praise in a way that feels safe, because learning to accept it is a skill that can be developed.
Can therapy help me stop feeling responsible for everyone else's emotions?
Many people ask if therapy can help them stop feeling responsible for everyone else’s emotions, and the answer is yes. Together we can explore where this sense of responsibility comes from and learn to separate caring about others from carrying their emotional burdens. You can still be compassionate without sacrificing your own wellbeing or taking on what isn’t yours to fix.
Why do I always compare myself to others?
If you’re wondering why you always compare yourself to others, it often comes from searching for evidence of your worth or trying to figure out where you stand. Your mind may use others as a measuring stick because it feels easier than trusting your own value. These comparisons usually reflect your own insecurities rather than reality, and therapy can help you shift how you see yourself.
What's the difference between self-esteem and confidence?
Self-esteem is about how you feel about yourself overall, your sense of worth as a person. Confidence is more about believing in your ability to handle specific situations or challenges. You can have low self-esteem but still feel confident in certain areas, or feel good about yourself while lacking confidence in new situations.
How do I choose the right therapist for me?
If you’re wondering how to choose the right therapist for you, it’s less about finding the “best” therapist on paper and more about finding someone you feel safe and comfortable with. It might take a session or two to see if their style fits your needs. Pay attention to how you feel in the room , do you feel understood, respected, and heard? That matters more than any credential.
Is everything I say in therapy confidential?
People often ask if everything they say in therapy is confidential, and the answer is yes, with a few exceptions. Confidentiality has limits if there is a risk of harm to yourself or others, if a vulnerable person is in danger, or if the law requires disclosure. Your therapist will explain these exceptions to you clearly. Outside of those situations, what you share stays between you and your therapist.
Is feeling numb or empty normal?
If you’re asking whether it’s normal to feel numb or empty, the answer is yes , many people experience this. It often happens after long periods of stress or when shutting down emotions has been the safest way to cope. Feeling numb is your mind and body’s way of protecting you. Therapy can help you reconnect with your emotions at a pace that feels safe.
What’s the difference between stress and burnout?
When people ask about the difference between stress and burnout, the simplest way to explain it is this: stress is your body’s natural response to pressure, which can sometimes be motivating in short bursts. Burnout happens when stress lasts too long without enough rest or support, leaving you exhausted, detached, and unable to function in your usual way.
Why do I feel overwhelmed by everyday tasks?
If you’re wondering why you feel overwhelmed by everyday tasks, it’s often because your mind and body are already carrying too much. When you’ve reached your limit, even small things can feel like climbing a mountain. Therapy can help you uncover what’s driving the overwhelm and build tools to make daily life feel more manageable.
Is it normal to feel lonely even when surrounded by people?
Yes, it is normal to feel lonely even when you’re surrounded by others. Loneliness isn’t just about being physically alone , it’s about not feeling understood or emotionally connected. Therapy can help you explore what meaningful connection looks like for you and how to create it in your relationships.
Why do I get so angry over small things my partner does?
If you’ve ever wondered why you get so angry over small things your partner does, it’s often because the reaction is about more than the moment itself. Anger can signal deeper feelings like hurt, fear, or unmet needs. Therapy can help you understand what’s underneath the anger and practise responding in healthier ways.
Why do I feel like I’m walking on eggshells around certain people?
If you feel like you’re walking on eggshells around certain people, it usually means you don’t feel safe being yourself. This often stems from past experiences with conflict, criticism, or rejection. Therapy can help you uncover where this pattern comes from, set healthier boundaries, and build confidence in those relationships.
Why can’t I fall asleep even when I’m exhausted?
If you can’t fall asleep even when you’re exhausted, it’s often because your body is tired but your mind is still active. Stress, worry, or unprocessed emotions can make it hard to switch off. Therapy can help you explore what’s keeping your mind alert and find ways to calm your nervous system so you can finally rest.
Is it normal to have gaps in my childhood memories?
Yes, it is normal to have gaps in your childhood memories. Many people notice missing or fuzzy parts of their past, often because the brain protects us by blocking out overwhelming or painful experiences. Therapy can provide a safe space to gently explore those memories and understand how they affect you now.
Why do I constantly doubt myself?
If you’re asking why you constantly doubt yourself, it usually comes from earlier experiences where you learned to question your worth or abilities. Self-doubt is often tied to perfectionism, fear of failure, or critical voices from the past. Therapy can help you build self-trust, recognise your strengths, and change the way you talk to yourself.