Where Do I Even Start When It Comes to Therapy? A Therapist’s Guide to Taking the First Step
If you’ve been thinking about starting therapy but feel overwhelmed by the process, you’re not alone.
Every week at Turning Point Counseling, I hear versions of the same question: “I know I need support… but where do I even start?”
The truth is, beginning therapy can feel intimidating - especially if you’ve never been before, had a negative past experience, or aren’t quite sure what you need.
But taking the first step toward support is one of the most powerful things you can do for your mental and emotional health.
Let’s walk through it together.
The Turning Point Counseling therapy team standing together outdoors in Arizona, representing a warm, welcoming, and collaborative group practice. This image reflects the supportive environment available to clients who are starting therapy and seeking professional mental health care.
Why Starting Therapy Feels So Overwhelming
Before we talk about how to start, it’s important to understand why this step feels so big.
Many people delay therapy because of:
Not knowing what type of therapist they need
Worrying about being judged
Fear of opening up
Feeling like they “should” handle it alone
Confusion about insurance, scheduling, or logistics
Not wanting to “burden” anyone
From a clinical perspective, entering therapy often activates the nervous system - especially if you’ve learned to cope by staying busy, being strong, or avoiding vulnerability.
You’re not imagining it: the fear is valid, and it’s a very normal response.
But the good news? You don’t need to have everything figured out before reaching out. That’s our job.
Step 1: Identify Why You’re Considering Therapy (Even If It Feels Vague)
People often think they need a perfectly-worded explanation of what’s wrong before starting therapy.
You don’t.
You can start therapy even if all you can say is:
“I don’t feel like myself.”
“I’m overwhelmed.”
“I’m stuck in the same patterns.”
“I don’t know why things feel hard.”
Research from the American Psychological Association shows that people often seek therapy before they have language for what’s happening and therapy helps them find that language.
If you feel something needs support, that’s enough.
Step 2: Look for a Therapist Who Specializes in What You’re Struggling With
Not all therapists work with the same issues. Finding the right fit matters.
If you’re dealing with:
Anxiety
Relationship struggles
Trauma
Boundary issues
Self-loss
Emotional overwhelm
Family dynamics
Perfectionism or people-pleasing
…you’ll want a therapist trained in those areas.
At Turning Point Counseling, our team specializes in:
Trauma & EMDR
Anxiety
Relationship dynamics
Nervous system regulation
Maternal mental health
Identity & self-worth
Parenting & family systems
You can click here to learn more about the Turning Point Counseling services in Arizona.
Step 3: Read the Therapist’s Website or Bio to See If You “Feel” Safe
Choosing a therapist isn’t just about credentials, it’s about resonance.
As you read their website or profile, notice:
Do they feel warm, grounded, and human?
Do they work with people like you?
Do they talk about your experiences with compassion?
Does their approach feel supportive, not intimidating?
Your body often knows before your mind does.
Step 4: Schedule a Consultation (This Is Usually the Easiest Part)
Most therapy practices, including ours, offer a free consultation call.
This is a chance for you to ask questions, share what’s going on, and get a sense of whether the therapist is the right match.
You can think of it as a “vibe check,” not a commitment.
Questions you can ask:
What does a typical session look like?
Have you worked with clients who experience what I’m going through?
What approach do you use?
How often do you recommend I come?
Here are some more questions to ask in your consultation call.
Step 5: Start Slow — Therapy Doesn’t Require You to Share Everything at Once
You don’t need to spill your whole life story in session one.
You get to take it at your own pace.
During your first few sessions, you may talk about:
what brought you in
your goals
your current stressors
your history (only if you feel ready)
what support looks like for you
Therapy is a relationship and relationships take time.
Step 6: Expect It to Feel Strange at First (This Is Normal)
Starting therapy is a new experience, which means it may feel:
awkward
emotional
unfamiliar
relieving
vulnerable
This is all part of the process.
Your therapist isn’t judging you, they’re holding space for you.
Step 7: Notice What Begins to Change
Therapy often shifts things in subtle but meaningful ways:
You become kinder to yourself
You stop absorbing everyone else’s emotions
You experience less panic or overwhelm
You feel more grounded
You communicate more clearly
You understand your needs
You start breaking old patterns
Healing doesn't happen overnight, but it does happen.
A woman sitting at a wooden table smiling while looking at her phone, symbolizing the moment someone begins exploring therapy or reaching out for mental health support. This image supports a blog about starting therapy and taking the first step toward healing.
When You’re Ready to Begin, We’re Here for You
If you’ve been wondering where to start, consider this your sign that you don’t have to do it alone.
At Turning Point Counseling, we offer therapist support in Arizona that is:
compassionate
trauma-informed
grounded in nervous system science
tailored to your specific needs
designed to help you feel safe, seen, and supported
Whether you’re struggling with boundaries, anxiety, trauma, or self-loss - we would be honored to walk with you.
Learn more about our therapists and book your consultation here.
You're not behind. You're not too late. You're not too much.
You’re simply at the beginning of your healing and that’s a powerful place to be.
