What We Actually Do in The Sessions

(No Mind Reading Involved)

A gentle, transparent look at what sessions are really like.

“So… are you reading my mind right now?”

I hear this a lot when people find out I’m a psychologist.

There’s this common idea that psychologists are constantly analyzing everyone around them, silently judging or uncovering their “deepest truths” from a glance or a sentence. But actually, it’s the complete opposite of what we do.

As a psychologist, I’m not here to judge or label you. I’m here to listen, understand, and support you. Therapy isn’t about evaluating who you are it’s about gently uncovering how you feel, how you’ve been coping, and what you might need.

So, What Even Is a Session?

A session is a collaborative space, a space that centers you.

It’s a relationship built on trust, curiosity, and compassion. And rather than being about “fixing” something, it’s about making space for all the parts of your emotional experience—even the ones you don’t fully understand yet.

Why Do Sessions Feel Mysterious (or Intimidating)?

It’s normal to feel unsure about what a session actually looks like, especially if you’ve never been.

Maybe you’ve wondered:

• “What if I don’t know what to say?”

• “What if I cry?”

• “Is my problem even ‘bad enough’ for therapy?”

These thoughts are so common. And they often come from the idea that you need to be falling apart to ask for support. You don’t.

Have You Ever Thought…

• “I wouldn’t even know where to start.”

• “What if I’m too sensitive?”

• “Will they give me advice? Or just listen?”

You’re not alone. A session doesn’t require you to have the right words or a specific goal. You can simply show up with your questions, your confusion, your exhaustion, anything. We figure it out together.

What Actually Happens in a Session?

Here’s what we usually do:

• Explore what’s going on underneath: The thoughts, feelings, and patterns that shape your everyday experience.

• Create space for emotions you usually avoid: Whether it’s anxiety, anger, sadness, or shame, therapy is a place where all of you is welcome.

• Build practical tools to cope: From emotional regulation and boundary setting to self-compassion and nervous system care.

• Understand your relationships (including the one with yourself): We look at how your experiences have shaped how you connect with others.

• Move at your pace: You never have to talk about anything before you’re ready. Safety and trust come first.

  
  

How Can The Sessions Help?

• You begin to understand yourself, instead of just pushing through.

• You start to feel less alone in your struggles.

• You learn how to respond, not just react.

• You feel more grounded in your values, needs, and boundaries.

• And maybe most importantly: you get to heal in connection with someone who sees you fully, without judgment.

Sessions are not about being “fixed.” It’s about being seen, supported, and empowered. And you don’t need to be in crisis to start. You just need curiosity, openness, and the tiniest bit of willingness to begin.