How To Answer What Brings You To Therapy

How to Answer "What Brings You to Therapy?"

Going to therapy is a big step, and the initial question, "What brings you to therapy?", can feel daunting. It's perfectly normal to feel nervous or unsure of how to articulate your feelings. This guide will help you craft a thoughtful and honest response that sets a productive tone for your therapeutic journey.

Understanding the Question's Purpose

Before crafting your answer, understand that your therapist isn't looking for a perfectly polished narrative. They want to understand your needs and concerns to build a strong therapeutic relationship. This question is an invitation to openly share your struggles and goals, allowing them to tailor their approach to your specific situation.

Structuring Your Response: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here's a structured approach to help you articulate your reasons for seeking therapy:

1. Identify Your Key Concerns:

Start by identifying the main issues that led you to seek professional help. Are you struggling with:

• Anxiety? Specify the types of anxieties you experience (social anxiety, generalized anxiety, etc.).
• Depression? Describe the symptoms and their impact on your daily life.
• Relationship problems? Briefly outline the challenges you're facing.
• Trauma? (You don't have to detail the trauma at this stage; simply mentioning it is sufficient).
• Grief or loss? Explain the nature of the loss and its impact.
• Life transitions? (e.g., job loss, divorce, moving).
• Self-esteem issues? Describe how this affects your daily life.
• Other issues: Be as specific as possible.

2. Craft a Concise and Honest Statement:

Once you've identified your key concerns, craft a concise statement that summarizes your reasons for seeking therapy. For example:

• "I've been struggling with anxiety lately, particularly social anxiety, and it's impacting my ability to connect with people and pursue my goals."
• "I'm experiencing a significant amount of grief following the loss of my mother, and I'm finding it difficult to cope with the daily tasks."
• "I've been feeling increasingly depressed and withdrawn for the past few months, and I'm hoping to develop healthier coping mechanisms."
• "I'm experiencing challenges in my relationship with my partner, and I'm seeking guidance on how to improve communication and resolve conflicts."

Remember: It's okay to start with a general statement and then elaborate as the conversation unfolds.

3. Highlight Your Goals:

Mention what you hope to achieve through therapy. This demonstrates your proactive approach and helps your therapist understand your expectations. For example:

• "I'm hoping to learn coping mechanisms to manage my anxiety."
• "I'd like to find healthy ways to process my grief and move forward."
• "I'm looking for strategies to improve my mood and overall well-being."
• "I'd like to improve my communication skills and resolve conflict more effectively."

4. Be Open and Honest:

Therapists appreciate honesty, even if it feels uncomfortable. Avoid sugarcoating your issues or trying to present a perfect image. The more open and honest you are, the more effective your therapy will be.

Example Responses:

Here are a few more examples of how you could answer the question:

• "I'm feeling overwhelmed with stress lately, and I'm struggling to manage it on my own. I'm hoping to develop some healthier coping strategies."
• "I've been experiencing persistent low mood and a lack of motivation. I'm seeking support to overcome this and improve my overall well-being."
• "Following a recent trauma, I've been having difficulty sleeping and experiencing flashbacks. I'm hoping to find ways to process what happened and move forward."

What NOT to Do:

• Don't apologize for seeking help. It's a sign of strength, not weakness.
• Don't over-explain or ramble. Keep your initial response concise.
• Don't be afraid to say you don't know. It's okay to admit you're not entirely sure why you're struggling. Your therapist is there to help you explore that.

Remember, the initial session is about building rapport and establishing a collaborative relationship. Your therapist is there to support you, so relax, be yourself, and be open to the process. Your journey towards well-being starts with this honest conversation.