The therapeutic experience is different for each person, as goals, needs, and individual differences shape the scope of therapy. The client often leads the session and the therapist, typically, meets the client where they are. It is normal for sensitive or personal topics to emerge and be discussed. Therapy may also challenge some of your current thinking or behavioral patterns, but that is a normal part of the process.

The duration of treatment largely depends on your needs and circumstances. Therapy can be short-term for a specific issue or longer-term to deal with more difficult patterns, trauma recovery or a desire for more personal development. Either way, it is most common to schedule regular sessions with your therapist, usually weekly.

Confidentiality is pivotal to the counseling relationship and what is said in a session stays confidential. Due to the sensitive nature and subject matter discussed in therapy, trust is required between the client and the therapist.  There are a few limits of confidentiality, including suspected abuse (past or present), neglect of children, adults, and elders, if there is a court-ordered subpoena or if the therapist has reason to suspect the client is seriously in danger of harming him/herself or has threatened to harm another person. These are required to be reported to the appropriate authorities, including Child Protection and law enforcement, based on information provided by the client or collateral sources.