The Real FAQs about Therapy: What You Actually Want to Know Before Starting
Originally published December 2025
Let’s be honest, when people search for “therapy FAQs,” they’re not really wondering how long sessions are or whether they need a referral…
What they actually want to know is:
What if I cry?
What if it’s awkward?
What if my therapist secretly thinks I’m a mess?
These are the real questions I hear every week in my office, the ones most people don’t say out loud until they finally sit down on the couch. So, let’s talk about them.
Q. “What if I don’t know what to talk about?”
A. Totally normal. Most people come in with a vague sense of “something’s off” or “I just need help.” You don’t need to have a list or a perfect explanation; that’s literally part of what therapy helps you figure out. Think of your first few sessions as gentle exploring, not a performance review.
In my own practice, I like to keep things informal. No clipboards or rapid-fire questionnaires, just a real conversation. What needs to come forward always does, and I want you to feel comfortable enough to let it.
Q. “What if my therapist is judging me?”
A. I get this one all the time. But here’s the truth: therapists are people too. We’ve heard a lot, and we’re trained to hold space for all of it, the messy, confusing, emotional parts included. You can’t shock us, and you don’t have to edit yourself. My role isn’t to judge; it’s to be curious, compassionate, and help you understand yourself a little more clearly.
Q. “What if I like my therapist but don’t feel ‘fixed’ yet?”
A. This one hits hard because it taps into the cultural myth that therapy is supposed to “fix” you. The truth? You’re not broken. Therapy isn’t a repair shop; it’s more like a gym for your emotional health. You build awareness, boundaries, and resilience over time. And like any real growth, it’s a process.
Q. “What if I start crying and can’t stop?”
Then you cry. And I’ll probably say, “It’s okay, you’re allowed.” Crying in therapy isn’t a failure; it’s often the body’s way of releasing years of held tension or self-criticism. There are things you carry, sometimes without realizing it, that feel like a relief when you finally say them out loud. That release is part of the work.
Q. “What if I don’t connect with my therapist?”
That happens sometimes, and it doesn’t mean therapy doesn’t work, it just means that particular match isn’t the right one. Finding a therapist is kind of like dating (without the awkward small talk about favorite TV shows). The relationship is the work. If something feels off, you can always bring it up. I usually check in with my clients and let them know I am happy to help them find the right fit if I am not that!
Q. “What if my problems aren’t bad enough for therapy?”
If it’s bothering you enough that you’re thinking about therapy, that’s enough. You don’t need a crisis or diagnosis to justify getting help. Therapy can be about prevention, growth, grief, identity, confidence, or just wanting to feel more like yourself. You deserve support before things fall apart.
Q. “What if therapy changes me and people in my life don’t like it?”
It might. When you start setting boundaries, being honest, or showing up differently, people used to the old version of you may react. That can be uncomfortable. But that discomfort usually means you’re growing. You’re allowed to evolve, even if not everyone claps for it.
Final Thoughts
Therapy isn’t about having it all figured out. It’s about showing up: imperfect, uncertain, curious and letting someone hold space for your humanity.
You don’t have to know what to say. You don’t have to be in crisis. You just have to want something to feel a little lighter, a little clearer, a little more you.
There’s real comfort in realizing you don’t have to carry it all alone.
If any of this resonates with you, know that you’re not the only one feeling it, and you don’t have to keep figuring it out alone. Therapy isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about having a space that helps you find your way back to yourself.
If you’re interested in working together, you can learn more about Individual Therapy here or schedule a free consultation 🍊 >
LINKS & HELPFUL RESOURCES:
New around here? Hi. I’m Maddie, licensed therapist and fellow human.
Through Individual Therapy and my signature Body Image course The Essere Method I help people (like you) release unhelpful narratives from your past, rewire your mindset with self-compassion, acceptance, and understanding, and step into your most authentic self. I’d love to connect more with you. Ready?
