Understanding the Different Stages of Therapy

​Initial Stage: Building the Foundation

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Establishing Rapport and Trust

• Our earlier sessions focus on building a comfortable relationship

• You'll share background information and discuss what brought you to therapy

• I will explain confidentiality, boundaries, and my therapeutic approach

• Goals are collaboratively set to guide your work together

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Assessment and History-Taking

• I will gather information about your history, symptoms, and concerns

• This often includes questionnaires or formal assessments to clarify needs

• Creation of a preliminary treatment plan based on your unique situation

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Middle Stage: Doing the Work

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Exploration and Insight

• Deeper examination of patterns, thoughts, emotions, and behaviours

• Identifying connections between past experiences and current challenges

• Recognising unconscious patterns that may be influencing your life

• Developing awareness of how these patterns impact your relationships and well-being

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Intervention and Skill-Building

• Learning specific coping strategies and techniques

• Practising new ways of thinking and responding

• Challenging unhelpful beliefs and developing healthier perspectives

• Applying new skills in real-world situations between sessions

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Working Through Resistance

• Addressing avoidance, defensiveness, or reluctance to change

• Exploring fears about change and growth

• Working through emotional blocks that arise during therapy

• Developing self-compassion during challenging moments

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Advanced Stage: Integration and Growth

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Consolidation of Gains

• Reinforcing positive changes and new skills

• Integrating insights into a more cohesive self-understanding

• Building confidence in your ability to handle future challenges

• Creating strategies for maintaining progress

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Preparation for Termination

• Gradually reducing session frequency as appropriate

• Discussing feelings about ending therapy

• Planning for continued growth after therapy ends

• Developing relapse prevention strategies

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Termination Stage: Completion and Independence

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Reviewing Progress

• Reflecting on growth and achievements

• Acknowledging remaining challenges

• Celebrating successes and changes

• Processing the therapy experience as a whole

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Closure and Moving Forward

• Final goodbye

• Discussion of potential future check-ins if needed

• Transition to independence with new skills and insights

• Understanding that returning to therapy in the future is always an option

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Common Experiences Throughout the Therapeutic Process

• Therapeutic Alliance: The strength of our connection remains important throughout all stages

• Ups and Downs: Progress isn't linear; setbacks are a normal and part of the therapeutic process

• Emotional Intensity: Different stages may bring varying levels of emotional intensity

• Homework: Some of our approaches may involve additional work between sessions.

• Regular Evaluation: Ongoing assessment of progress toward goals

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Remember that therapy is highly individualised, and these stages may overlap or unfold differently depending on your needs, the therapeutic approach, and your unique circumstances.