Curious About Therapy? 10 Questions Answered

1. What is therapy? To me, therapy is like a safe harbour in the stormy sea or chaos of life. It’s a safe and transformative space where you are heard and understood without judgment. It is a collaborative process with a therapist that involves untangling your thoughts, emotions, and experiences. You will explore, heal, and grow through addressing your unique challenges, whether they are emotional, psychological, physical, or relational. It's not just about solving problems or seeking advice. Therapy is about finding healthier ways to address old or repetitive problems, opening up to the possibility of change and internal peace, and understanding yourself more deeply in the process.
   

2. How does therapy work? Therapy is like a journey where you are not alone. You are guided by someone who listens, understands, and helps you make sense of your experiences. Unlike others in your life, a therapist offers a safe, judgement-free space where the focus and attention are entirely on you. With trained expertise and professional tools, a therapist helps you navigate challenges and gain deeper insights. Therapy starts with an initial session(s) where you share what’s bringing you in and what you want to work on. Your therapist listens carefully, asks questions, and helps you feel safe to open up.

   Each session becomes a space to explore your thoughts, emotions, and challenges. Your therapist may offer tools to help you cope, shift negative patterns, or understand yourself better. At its heart, therapy is about building trust and support, so you can feel heard and begin to heal.
   

3. How long does therapy take? Typically, we meet once a week for regular, consistent progress. However, I also offer biweekly or monthly sessions if that fits your schedule better. Most clients see solid progress within 6 months to a year through regular weekly sessions.

   For those seeking immediate support, quick, solution-focused sessions are also available.
   

4. Is therapy confidential? Absolutely. Being vulnerable in therapy is a brave step, and my priority is to ensure that you feel safe in that process. Your privacy is crucial, and you can trust that what we discuss remains confidential, allowing you to explore your feelings freely.

   Moreover, in New York, therapists are legally required to maintain your privacy, with specific exceptions for safety concerns. Your trust is essential, and I take it very seriously.
   

5. What can I expect in a session? In therapy, it's all about you. You can talk about whatever’s on your mind - struggles, feelings, or anything weighing you down. If you are not sure or don’t have anything to share, that's fine too. Sometimes, just showing up is enough, and the therapist will guide the conversation in a way that helps you get the most out of the session. You’re also encouraged to speak up if something isn’t working or if you feel like you’re not making progress. Therapy is flexible, so you and your therapist can adjust goals or change the direction or topic as needed. The key is staying open and working together.
   

6. Do I need to have a specific problem to go to therapy?

   Not at all! Therapy can be beneficial for anyone seeking personal growth, or navigate life transitions, or simply seek support during challenging times. It’s about what you want to work on, whether it’s a specific issue or just a desire for deeper self-understanding. Many clients come to me with diverse concerns, including understanding how their past affects their current self, current reactions, identities, emotions, and future goals.
   

7. How do I choose a therapist? Start by considering what you need help with - any specific issues or general support? Look for therapists who specialize in those areas and consider their approach (e.g., CBT, mindfulness). Think about practical factors too, like online or in-person therapy, availability, and cost. Think about cultural, religious, gender-affirmative, caste-affirmative, and language preferences to ensure a comfortable and respectful experience.

   Many therapists offer a quick initial consultation sessions, so don’t hesitate to reach out and see if you feel comfortable with them. If it’s not the right fit, that’s okay - keep looking until you find someone who feels like the right match for you.
   

8. What types of therapy do you offer?  I utilize an integrative and tailored approach, drawing from psychodynamic, humanistic, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). This allows me to customize my work based on your needs and backgrounds, incorporating culturally sensitive and trauma-informed practices. In our sessions, I create an inclusive and non-judgemental environment where you can share your experiences openly. I recognise and honor the unique narratives and world-views each client brings, and together we’ll identify patterns and develop tailored strategies that resonate with your individual journey.
   

9. Can therapy really help? Therapy can indeed be transformative, yet it isn’t always the perfect fit for everyone right away. For some, it takes time to adjust and start noticing its benefits, and part of that journey is finding the right therapist—sometimes it requires trying a few to find a true connection. Those with the best outcomes often come in with an openness to therapy’s potential, so it can help to start by considering what you hope to gain from it.
   

10. What if I don’t feel better right away? Progress in therapy can take time, and facing challenges is completely normal. Just as it takes time to experience trauma and challenges, healing also takes time and patience. Consistent participation and open communication are key, and together we’ll adapt our approach as needed. I’m here to support you on this journey of healing and self discovery every step of the way.