What It Looks and Feels Like to Go to Therapy: A Gentle Guide

Elephant in the bloom
Jul 29
2 min read

Deciding to start therapy can feel like a big step and often an uncertain one. Maybe you’ve been carrying something heavy for a while. Maybe you’re not quite sure what you need, but you know something has to change. Either way, reaching out for support takes courage. So if you’re here reading this; thank you. You’ve already done something brave.

At Elephant in the Bloom, I offer a safe and supportive space for you to simply be yourself. No pressure, no judgement. Whether we meet in person surrounded by nature or connect online, this is your hour to breathe, reflect, and be heard.

So… what is therapy, really?

Therapy is often thought of as a place where you come to "fix" something. But in reality, it's more like tending a garden—you create space, get curious, and gently uncover what’s growing beneath the surface.

In our sessions together, you're not expected to perform, solve, or explain everything. I listen with warmth and compassion, giving you time to speak at your own pace. You set the tone. Whether you arrive with big emotions, tangled thoughts, or just a quiet need to be heard; everything is welcome here.

What to expect: The process

If you’re considering therapy but unsure how it works, here’s a simple breakdown:

1. Free 15-minute consultation- This is a gentle starting point. We’ll chat briefly (by phone or video), and you can ask any questions, especially any that have you puzzled what it feels like to go to therapy

. You’ll get a sense of how I work, and whether it feels like a good fit.

2. Booking your first session - If you decide to go ahead, we’ll find a time that suits you. Sessions can take place online or face-to-face, depending on what feels most comfortable.

3. Your space, your pace- Every session is different—some may feel lighter, some more emotional, and some a mix of both. What stays constant is my presence: non-judgemental, grounded, and warm. My aim is always to hold a safe space where you can explore thoughts, feelings, and even those unanswerable life questions that keep circling in the background.

4. Creative therapy (if it feels right for you)- With your permission, we might explore creative approaches like working with clay, sand trays, or image postcards. You don’t need to be artistic—this is simply another way to express what can’t always be said with words.

5. A journey we take together- Therapy isn’t about “fixing” you. It’s about sitting beside you as you reconnect with yourself—your values, your voice, and your sense of wholeness. You’re not alone in this.

What it feels like to go to therapy

Clients often say it feels like taking off a mask. Like putting down a heavy bag you’ve been carrying for too long. Some weeks, it’s emotional. Other weeks, it’s quiet and reflective. But almost always, there’s a sense of relief in being truly listened to, without interruption, without advice, without expectations.