The Counseling Process: What to Expect in Therapy

Starting counseling is an important step toward growth, healing, and self-discovery. For many people, it can also feel intimidating—especially if it’s their first time sitting down with a therapist. At Matt McTeague Counseling, my goal is to make the process clear, collaborative, and comfortable from the very beginning. Here’s what you can expect when we begin working together.

A Collaborative Partnership

Counseling isn’t something I “do to you.” It’s a collaborative process where we work together to address personal, relational, and mental health concerns. You bring your experiences, goals, and challenges. I bring professional expertise, tools, and a supportive perspective. Together, we identify what’s standing in the way of your well-being and create new pathways toward change.

A Safe and Confidential Space

One of the most powerful aspects of counseling is having a space where you can open up without fear of judgment. My role is to provide a safe, confidential environment where you can share openly and honestly. This space is yours—designed for you to explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences freely.

Encouraging Growth and Self-Discovery

Therapy is not only about solving immediate problems; it’s about discovering your true self and building the life you deserve. As your counselor, I will:

• Encourage personal development and self-growth

• Help identify and shift unhelpful patterns of behavior

• Support you in creating healthier relationships—with yourself and with others

• Guide you in developing new coping strategies to reduce stress and foster resilience

Tools and Resources Beyond the Session

Counseling doesn’t stop when our session ends. I may suggest helpful readings, tools, or practices to explore between meetings. And if needed, I will connect you with other mental health professionals to ensure you receive the most comprehensive support possible.

Structure of Counseling Sessions

At the start of therapy, we typically meet once a week to build momentum and establish consistency. As you grow in your ability to manage challenges and apply new strategies, we may move to bi-weekly sessions, giving you space to practice your skills with ongoing support.

The Journey Toward Positive Change

The counseling process is about more than symptom relief—it’s about transformation. By addressing stressors, uncovering new coping mechanisms, and practicing healthier ways of being, you can experience lasting positive change in your life.

The journey is uniquely yours, but you don’t have to take it alone. My role is to walk alongside you, offering guidance, encouragement, and support every step of the way.

If you’ve been considering counseling, know that taking the first step is already a sign of strength. Therapy is not about “fixing” you—it’s about helping you become the best version of yourself: one who feels empowered, resilient, and whole.

Ready to begin your journey? Contact Matt McTeague Counseling

today to schedule your first session.