Thinking about therapy?

Starting therapy can feel like a big step, and it's natural to have questions before you get in touch. Whether you're wondering what to expect from a first session, how therapy works, or whether it's the right time to begin, we've answered some of the questions that we are most often asked.

On this page

How do I choose the right therapist?

What happens in a first session?

How long does therapy last?

How do I know if therapy is right for me?

Is therapy confidential?

Do you offer online therapy?

How often will we meet?

How much does therapy cost?

Do I need to have everything worked out before I get in touch?

Finding the right therapist is a personal decision, and there isn't always one "right" choice. We encourage you to spend some time reading the profiles on this website and, if someone catches your attention, to visit their own website to learn more about how they work.

As well as different therapeutic approaches, you may find yourself drawn to a particular therapist because of their experience, interests, age, gender or aspects of their identity. It can also help to think about what has brought you to therapy and what you hope to gain from it.

Each of our therapists offers a free introductory phone or video conversation. This gives you the opportunity to ask questions, get a sense of how they work, and decide whether they feel like the right person for you.

Ultimately, the relationship between you and your therapist is one of the most important parts of successful therapy, so it's worth taking a little time to choose someone who feels right for you.

It's natural to wonder what your first therapy session will be like. Many people arrive feeling nervous or unsure of where to begin, and that's completely okay.

The first session is an opportunity for you to tell your story at your own pace. You may find yourself talking about what has brought you to therapy, your life so far, and what you hope might be different in the future. Your therapist will ask some questions to help build a picture of who you are and what you're looking for, so the first session may feel a little more structured than later ones.

There is no right or wrong way to do therapy, and there is no expectation that you'll know exactly what to say. Therapy is a process, and your understanding of yourself, your goals and what feels important may change over time. As trust develops, many people find themselves able to explore things they weren't ready to bring at the beginning.

Many people leave the first session with a greater sense of being understood, a clearer picture of the challenges they're facing, a possible route towards change, and a feeling of whether the therapist is someone they could imagine working with.

There is no set length of time for therapy. Some people come with a specific issue they would like help with and choose to finish once they feel less stuck. Others find that, as therapy progresses, the work becomes deeper and they decide to continue exploring different aspects of themselves and their lives.

Your therapist will check in with you from time to time to review how therapy is going and whether it continues to feel helpful. These conversations are an opportunity to reflect on what has changed, what you would still like to work on, and whether continuing, changing your focus, or beginning to think about ending therapy feels right for you.

There is no expectation that you know from the outset how long you will need therapy. It's something that can be thought about together as the work develops.

People come to therapy for many different reasons. Sometimes there is a clear catalyst, such as difficulties in a relationship, a job loss, becoming a parent, grief or another significant life event. For others, it's a growing sense that something isn't quite working, even if they can't easily put it into words.

Therapy isn't about having all the answers before you begin. It's about becoming curious about yourself, understanding the patterns that shape your life, and exploring what you might be able to change. While we can't always change the circumstances around us, we can often change how we respond to them.

Many people are surprised by how powerful it feels simply to tell their story and experience being fully heard, sometimes for the first time.

The benefits of therapy are not always immediate or obvious. Often, it's only later—when life presents another challenge—that people notice they feel more resilient, more able to cope, or better equipped to navigate whatever comes next.

Yes. Confidentiality is a fundamental part of therapy. It allows you to speak openly, honestly and without worrying that you'll be judged.

Many people find themselves saying things in therapy that they have never said out loud before. Others use the space to explore thoughts and feelings they are still trying to make sense of, without feeling they have to justify or defend them.

Confidentiality is there to protect you, not to limit you. It means your therapist will not share what you discuss, except in the rare circumstances where there is a legal or ethical duty to do so. Your therapist will explain these limits to confidentiality at the beginning of your work together.

You are free to talk to anyone you choose about your therapy. In fact, many people find that as they come to understand themselves better, they also become more open with the important people in their lives.

Some of us offer both in-person and online sessions, while others work in one way or the other. Each therapist's profile explains how they work, and you're always welcome to ask if you're unsure.

Some people have a clear preference, while others find a combination of online and in-person sessions works well. The important thing is choosing a way of meeting that makes therapy feel accessible and sustainable for you.

Whether you meet online or in person, the aim is the same: to create a space where you feel comfortable enough to talk openly and begin the work of therapy.

Most therapy takes place on a regular weekly basis, particularly at the beginning. Meeting regularly helps you and your therapist build a relationship of trust and creates the continuity that allows the work to develop over time.

As therapy progresses, the frequency of sessions may be reviewed together. Some people continue to meet weekly throughout their therapy, while others find that meeting less often works well once the work is established. This will depend on your needs and the way your therapist works.

Rather than booking sessions on an ad hoc basis, therapy is usually most helpful when there is a regular commitment to meeting. Having a dedicated time each week or fortnight creates a reliable space to think about what's happening in your life and the changes you'd like to make.

Each therapist at Print House Therapy sets their own fees, so there isn't a single price for therapy across the collective. You can find details of fees by visiting each therapist's individual website.

Some therapists offer a range of fees or have a limited number of lower-cost spaces. If cost is an important consideration, it's worth looking at each therapist's website or discussing this during your introductory conversation.

Each therapist's website includes their current fees and details of any lower-cost spaces they may offer.

No. In fact, many people begin therapy without being completely sure what they want to achieve. They simply have a sense that something isn't working as well as it could, and that talking things through with someone independent might help.

You don't need to have thought it all through. You don't need to have already imagined the outcomes. You don't need to have a long list of things to cover. Part of therapy is discovering what's important together, and that often becomes clearer once you begin.

Many people later say they wish they had started therapy sooner. Equally, there is no obligation to continue if, after a few sessions, you decide it isn't the right time or that you've already found what you needed.

Sometimes the hardest part is simply making that first appointment.