Insurance & Pricing

Starting Therapy: A Gentle Guide for First-Time Clients

If you’ve never had therapy before, it’s completely natural to feel unsure—or even a little nervous. You might be wondering: What will I say? Will it help? How does it work? At The London Psychology Clinic, we specialise in making your first steps into therapy calm, clear, and supportive.

Whether you’re considering therapy for anxiety, low mood, relationship issues or simply feeling stuck, this guide walks you through what to expect—and why it might be one of the most valuable decisions you ever make.

Is Therapy Right for Me?

You don’t need to be in crisis to benefit from therapy. Many of our clients are working professionals, parents, students, or creatives who just feel overwhelmed, anxious, disconnected or emotionally stuck.

Therapy may help if you’re:

• Feeling anxious, stressed or burnt out
• Struggling with low mood or low self-esteem
• Having relationship challenges
• Processing a difficult life event or trauma
• Wanting to understand yourself more deeply

If you’ve been wondering “is this normal?” or “should I just get on with it?”, you’re not alone. Reaching out is often the first sign that something needs attention—and that’s a strength, not a weakness.

If you’re still not sure whether therapy is right for you, our post on when to see a psychologist can help you recognise the signs that it might be time for support.

Many people still carry stigma around asking for help. Our blog on why seeking therapy is a sign of strength reframes therapy as a courageous choice.

What Happens in the First Session?

Your first therapy session is all about getting to know each other. It’s a space for you to share what’s brought you here, ask questions, and explore what you’d like to get out of therapy.

There’s no pressure to share everything straight away. You set the pace.

Your therapist may gently ask about:

• What’s been troubling you recently
• Your goals or hopes for therapy
• Your background, relationships or current challenges
• Any previous experience with therapy

From there, we’ll work with you to decide on the most suitable approach. It’s a collaborative process—and your comfort matters every step of the way.

Do I Need a Diagnosis or Referral?

No referral or formal diagnosis is required. You can self-refer at any time. We work with clients who’ve never spoken to a therapist before, as well as those who have had therapy in the past but are looking for a different approach or just a fresh start with a new perspective..

If you do have a diagnosis or are working with other healthcare professionals, we’re happy to collaborate (with your consent) as part of a joined-up care plan.

How Long Does Therapy Last?

It depends on your goals. Some clients come for 6–12 sessions of focused support, while others choose to work longer-term.

We’ll regularly review your progress together to make sure the work continues to feel helpful and aligned with what you need.

Choosing the Right Therapist

All of our psychologists and psychotherapists are fully qualified, experienced, and registered with the appropriate professional bodies. But just as important is the relationship you build together.

That’s why we offer a free 15-minute discovery call. It’s a relaxed, no-pressure way to see if we’re the right fit before committing.

Therapies We Offer

Depending on your needs, we may draw on one or more of the following approaches:

• CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) – practical and structured
• Integrative Therapy – flexible and personalised
• CFT (Compassion-Focused Therapy) – for self-esteem and shame
• ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) – for values-based living
• Attachment based Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy – to explore early relationships

You don’t need to know which type is right for you—we’ll guide you through it.

Ready to Start? We’re Here to Help.

Taking the first step can feel daunting—but you don’t have to do it alone. If you’re considering therapy, we invite you to book a free discovery call with one of our psychologists.

Whether you’re feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or simply curious about how therapy could help, we’ll meet you with warmth, professionalism, and care.

Therapy is available in-person in Central London or online therapy anywhere in the UK.

Ready to talk? Book a free discovery call today.