Therapy FAQ: What You Need to Know Before Getting Started
Thinking about starting therapy but not sure what to expect? You’re not alone. At Grimalkin, we know reaching out for help takes courage — and we want to make the process as easy and stress-free as possible.
Here are answers to some of the most common questions people have before beginning therapy.
1. What exactly is therapy?
Therapy (also called counseling or psychotherapy) is a safe and supportive space to talk through challenges, learn coping skills, and build self-awareness.
It’s not about “fixing” you — it’s about helping you understand yourself better, manage stress, and improve your relationships and overall well-being.
At Grimalkin, our therapists use evidence-based approaches tailored to your needs, so your experience feels personal, practical, and empowering.
2. How do I know if I should see a therapist?
If you’re feeling stressed, stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected, therapy can help.
You don’t have to wait until things hit a breaking point — many people start therapy to work on personal growth, self-esteem, or life transitions.
Here are a few signs that therapy might be right for you:
You’re feeling anxious, down, or emotionally drained.
You’re struggling in relationships or communication.
You want to heal from past experiences or trauma.
You’re ready to make positive changes but don’t know where to start.
If any of that sounds familiar, it’s worth reaching out. Therapy can help you feel more grounded, confident, and connected.
3. What happens in a therapy session?
Every session looks a little different depending on your goals, but in general, therapy is a conversation — one focused entirely on you.
You’ll talk with your therapist about what’s been going on, explore patterns or challenges, and build tools to help you cope and grow.
Some sessions may focus on processing emotions; others might focus on developing practical strategies. Your therapist will meet you where you are and move at a pace that feels comfortable.
At Grimalkin, we aim to make every session feel like a judgment-free zone — supportive, authentic, and human.
4. How long does therapy take to work?
That depends on what brings you to therapy and what goals you want to reach.
Some people notice changes within a few weeks, while others benefit from longer-term work. The most important thing is consistency and honesty — the more open and engaged you are, the more you’ll get out of it.
We’ll check in along the way to make sure therapy is helping you move in the right direction.
5. Is therapy confidential?
Yes — your privacy is protected by law.
Everything you share in therapy stays between you and your therapist, except in a few rare situations where safety is at risk (like if someone is in danger).
We take confidentiality and trust seriously at Grimalkin. You can speak freely knowing your information is secure and handled with respect.
6. What types of therapy do you offer?
We offer a range of mental health services designed to meet you where you are:
Individual Therapy – for anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, or personal growth.
Teen Therapy – helping adolescents build confidence and emotional resilience.
Couples Therapy – improving communication and connection in relationships.
Family Therapy – creating healthier dynamics and understanding at home.
Our therapists integrate evidence-based approaches like CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy), ACT, and trauma-informed care.
7. What if I’ve never been to therapy before?
That’s totally okay — most of our clients felt the same way before starting.
Your first session is simply about getting to know you. We’ll talk about what’s been going on, what you’d like to work on, and what kind of support feels right for you.
There’s no pressure to have everything figured out — that’s what therapy is for.
8. How do I find the right therapist for me?
Finding a therapist who feels like a good fit is one of the most important parts of the process.
We encourage you to read our therapist bios, see who resonates with you, and reach out for a free consultation if you’d like to chat before booking.
At Grimalkin, we focus on building authentic, trusting relationships, so you always feel supported and understood.
9. Do you take insurance or offer sliding scale rates?
We accept several major insurance plans and offer private pay options. If we’re out-of-network for your plan, we can provide a superbill so you can request reimbursement directly from your insurance company.
We also offer sliding scale rates to make therapy more accessible — because we believe everyone deserves high-quality mental health care, regardless of circumstance.
10. What if I’m nervous about starting therapy?
Totally normal — almost everyone feels that way at first.
Opening up about personal stuff can feel uncomfortable, especially with someone new. But most people say they start to feel relief even after the first session.
Your therapist’s job isn’t to judge or “analyze” you — it’s to listen, support, and help you find clarity.
You’ll go at your own pace, and we’ll walk beside you every step of the way.
11. Can therapy really help me?
Yes — and not just for “big” issues.
Therapy can help you better understand yourself, communicate more effectively, manage stress, and build resilience. Over time, you’ll gain insight, tools, and confidence that can change how you experience your life and relationships.
At Grimalkin, we’ve seen clients transform their lives — one honest conversation at a time.
Start Your Therapy Journey Today
If you’re ready to take the next step toward better mental health, we’re here to help.
Our compassionate, professional therapists are ready to meet you wherever you are in your journey.
Looking for therapy near you? Get answers to common questions about starting therapy, finding the right therapist, and what to expect in counseling. Grimalkin offers compassionate, inclusive mental health care for individuals, teens, couples, and families.