Getting the Most from Therapy
A Client Guide from Core Psychology

Welcome

Starting therapy is a brave and meaningful step. Whether this is your first session or you’ve done therapy before, this guide will help you get the most from your experience at Core Psychology.

1. Be Yourself

There’s no “right” way to show up in therapy. You don’t have to have everything figured out. Come as you are—messy, uncertain, or clear-eyed. Therapy works best when you’re honest, even if that means saying, “I don’t know what I feel.”

2. Give It Time

Therapy is a process. It’s normal to feel unsure at the beginning. You may not feel better right away—but with time and consistency, change happens. Trust the process, and give yourself permission to take it one step at a time.

3. Speak Up

If something isn’t working—bring it up! Your therapist welcomes feedback. Whether you're unsure about an approach, want more structure, or feel stuck, your voice matters. Therapy is most powerful when it’s collaborative.

4. Be Curious Between Sessions

Growth often happens between appointments.

  • Try to reflect on what came up in session.

  • Notice patterns, reactions, or moments of insight.

  • Jot things down to share next time.

  • Use any between-session practices your therapist offers.

5. Practice Self-Compassion

Healing isn’t linear. Some weeks will feel like breakthroughs; others may feel heavy. That’s part of the work. Be kind to yourself, even when things feel slow or tough.

6. Ask Questions

You can always ask about:

  • The process of therapy

  • Your treatment plan or goals

  • What a diagnosis means (if relevant)

  • Anything you're unsure or curious about

Your therapist is here to walk with you—not ahead of you.

7. Privacy & Boundaries

What you share stays private, with a few safety exceptions (your therapist will explain these). Boundaries help make therapy a safe space, so we encourage you to discuss anything that feels unclear.

8. Session Logistics

  • Timing: Sessions are typically 50 or 80 minutes.

  • Cancellations: Please provide 48 hours’ notice.

  • Payment & Insurance: Payments are handled via Jane by our admin team with receipts provided for submitting to your benefits provider for reimbursement.

  • Virtual Options: We offer secure video sessions if needed.

9. We're Here for You

Every therapist at Core Psychology is committed to your wellbeing. If you ever feel you’d benefit from a different style, approach, or clinician—we’ll help you find the right fit. You getting the care that is most helpful for you is our priority.

10. What You Can Expect from Us

  • Warm, non-judgmental support

  • Expertise tailored to your needs

  • A commitment to walk alongside you at your pace

  • Respect for your lived experience

Final Words

Therapy can be hard, beautiful, frustrating, transformative, and everything in between. We’re honoured to be part of your journey.

You’re not alone here. Let’s begin.