A Step-by-Step Guide to Starting Therapy | Willow Psychology Service

Introduction

A Step-by-Step Guide to Starting Therapy

Embarking on therapy is a courageous and empowering decision. At Willow Psychology Service, our HCPC-registered psychologists are committed to helping you navigate this journey toward calm, clarity, and confidence.

1. Understand When It’s Time to Seek Support and Consider Starting Therapy

Realising you need help—from stress, anxiety, low self-esteem, or unclear overwhelm—is often the first step towards change. You don’t need a crisis to reach out; therapy can also be a proactive source of support and growth.

2. Explore Different Therapy Approaches

Willow Psychology Service offers several evidence-based modalities, including:

• CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy)

• CFT (Compassion Focused Therapy)

• ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy)

• EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing)

Understanding these options helps you choose an approach aligned with your needs and preferences. We can talk through these in your free initial consultation.

3. Find the Right Therapist for You

Finding the right fit is key—researchers estimate that the therapeutic relationship accounts for up to 70% of positive outcomes in therapy The Guardian. At Willow Psychology Service, all our clinical team are highly qualified, HCPC-registered, and committed to creating a tailored treatment plan built around your goals. Our free consultation allows us to discuss which clinician would be the best fit for you, rather than you trying to find the time to speak with lots of clinicians individually.

4. Finding a Company for You

Many of our new clients come to us via recommendations from colleagues, current clients or past clients (see our feedback section: https://www.willow-psychology.co.uk/). However, if we are not the right fit for you, then you can look online. Online search behaviour is growing—terms like “therapists near me” have surged, while remote therapy accounts for over half of sessions. look at options for you:

• Use localised keywords like “online therapy UK,” “psychologist London,” or “HCPC registered psychologist UK.”

• Include long-tail phrases, such as “start therapy at home” or “compassion focused therapy UK.”

  
  

5. Reach Out with Confidence

Many people find an initial consultation helpful in deciding if a therapist is a good fit The Guardian. At Willow Psychology, we welcome you to connect—via a contact form, email or phone call to organise a free telephone consultation—to ask about approach, experience, availability, and fees.

6. What to Expect in Your First and Second Session

Your first couple of sessions is a collaborative conversation:

• You’ll discuss what brought you to therapy and your goals.

• The therapist explains their approach.

• Together, you begin to shape an action plan. At Willow Psychology, this aim is always to help you feel heard, safe, and confident moving forward.

• We will find a pace that works for you and you do not have to share anything you aren't ready for.

  
  

7. Build a Therapy Roadmap

Therapy works best when direction and intention guide it. Collaborate with your therapist to define your goals—whether that’s lowering anxiety, processing trauma, or improving self-esteem—and regularly review progress.

8. Commit Consistently & Reflect on Growth

Change takes time. Be kind to yourself during the process—change isn’t always linear, and moments of clarity and challenge both matter. Keep track of your progress to inspire ongoing motivation.

9. Re-Evaluate Fit If Needed

Therapy is about connection. If the approach doesn’t feel right, it’s okay, we welcome having these conversations with your psychologist and it can be very insightful to understand why it doesn't feel like the right fit. Finding your fit is part of the journey.

Conclusion: Taking the First Step

Starting therapy is a brave, transformative choice. At Willow Psychology Service, we’re here to support you—from choosing an approach to finding a psychologist who is the right fit for you. With each session, you move closer to understanding yourself.