Many people feel uncertain about what therapy is, what actually happens in sessions, and whether it’s something they should try. If you’ve ever wondered, “What would therapy even look like for me?”, this page is meant to help.
Below are some general things you may want to know before booking a free consultation.
What Is Therapy?
Psychotherapy (also called clinical counselling) is a psychological treatment—often through talking—focused on reducing emotional distress, increasing fulfilment, and ultimately expanding a person’s sense of freedom in their life.
There are many different types of psychotherapy, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Family Systems Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and others.
I am a therapist who practices Psychodynamic Psychotherapy. This approach pays close attention to early life experiences and to past and present relationships, in order to understand how they continue to shape who we are today. Importantly, psychodynamic therapy is not only about understanding the past—it is also about helping you feel more like yourself, freer to pursue what you want, and less burdened by expectations or patterns that no longer serve you.
What Does Therapy Look Like?
I’ll speak specifically about Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, as this is my area of specialization.
In a typical session, you and I sit across from each other in a quiet consulting room at the clinic. You’re invited to talk about whatever feels most present or important to you. Especially in the early sessions, I may ask some questions to get to know you better, such as:
- What does a typical day look like for you?
- What was it like for you growing up?
- What led you to consider therapy now?
- What do you hope to gain from therapy?
From there, anything that comes up for you in our sessions is open to being shared, and we work to make sense of it together.
For example, if one day you notice you feel irritable or unsettled and aren’t sure why, talking about that may help us connect your experience to recent events, relationships, or feelings that haven’t yet had words. Often, therapy helps bring awareness to things that were previously outside of conscious understanding.
If you are ready to explore these feelings in a safe, supportive environment, book a session with Curtis today to begin your journey.
Key Elements of Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
There are two core aspects of psychodynamic therapy that I often discuss with clients:
1. Free Association
In sessions, you’re encouraged to say whatever comes to mind. In everyday life, we often monitor ourselves carefully—choosing what to say, how to say it, and what to keep to ourselves. In therapy, that pressure is softened.
Allowing your thoughts and feelings to emerge more freely can guide the work and help us address parts of your life that may have felt stuck for a long time. This may feel unfamiliar at first, but many people find it relieving to not have to be so cautious or performative. In the safety of therapy, more of your authentic experience is welcome.
To understand more about how this process works on a deeper level, you might find our article on psychoanalysis as a lived emotional experience helpful.
2. Use of the Couch
As therapy progresses, some clients choose to lie down on the couch during sessions. People often report that this helps them feel more relaxed and more connected to their inner experience. Some keep their eyes open; others find their eyes naturally close.
The room includes pillows and blankets so the space can be adjusted to whatever feels most comfortable for you. While the couch is uniquely associated with psychodynamic therapy and has been used for over a century, it remains in use today because many clients say it helps them feel calmer and more inwardly focused. Importantly, using the couch is always optional.
Should I Try Therapy?
The short answer is: yes—but let me be more specific.
Have you:
- Felt dissatisfied in your relationships without knowing how to change them?
- Felt anxious or depressed and been unsure why?
- Had a sense that you’re not living as fully or freely as you could be?
If any of these resonate with you, therapy—especially psychodynamic psychotherapy—may be helpful.
Almost everyone can benefit from psychotherapy, particularly if you’re feeling unhappy or stuck in one or more areas of your life. Therapy can begin wherever you are, with whatever you’re feeling or struggling with, and help you feel progressively better as the work unfolds.
How Long Does Therapy Take?
A standard therapy session is 50 minutes long.
In terms of frequency, I typically meet with clients once or twice per week. Consistency is important for psychological health, and many people find that meeting regularly helps them feel better more quickly.
As therapy progresses, we’ll decide together what frequency and duration make the most sense for you. I generally take things month-to-month. Some people notice a small improvement after four sessions, while deeper and more lasting change usually takes longer.
The goal of good therapy is not only symptom relief, but helping you live a more enriched life and feel better equipped to handle challenges as they arise. For many people, this means working together for several months or longer—though this is always shaped by your goals and needs.
How Do I Start Therapy?
Starting therapy is very simple.
You can book a free 20-minute online consultation with me. This is a low-pressure opportunity for us to get to know each other, for you to ask any questions you may have about therapy, and to see whether working together feels like a good fit. Here, we can discuss next steps and schedule a first 50-minute session if you’d like.
Click here to book your free initial consultation.
Whether you’re completely new to therapy or have had counselling in the past, psychodynamic psychotherapy may offer a refreshing experience—one that takes your inner life seriously and focuses on helping you understand yourself more deeply, so you can feel freer to live the life you’ve been wanting.