Curious About Therapy? Here Are 3 Questions You’re Not Alone in Asking

Thinking about starting therapy often brings up important questions. Whether you want to understand what therapy involves, worry about being judged by your therapist, or wonder if it means something is wrong with you, these concerns are common. This post addresses three key questions many people have when considering therapy to provide clear and honest answers.

1. What are the kinds of things that people go to therapy for?

There are many reasons that someone might want to go to therapy. They could be dealing with a difficult life transition, such as a divorce or the loss of a loved one, and are having a hard time coping with a new reality. They could be struggling with interpersonal relationships, such as having conflict, communication issues, or difficulty in maintaining relationships. They could have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect and want support and space to heal from these experiences. They could be struggling with depression, anxiety, or their relationship with drugs or alcohol. There are hundreds of other reasons that people seek therapy, these are just a few. Therapy is a place to explore just about anything in a safe, supportive space that is co-created by the client and their therapist.

2. Would going to therapy mean that there is something wrong with me, or that I’m damaged or broken?

Going to therapy does not mean there is something wrong with you. Actually, having the strength and awareness to recognize when you need support is a sign that you are deeply in tune with yourself and committed to your growth. It means you're human, navigating life with its ups and downs, and choosing to care for your mental and emotional wellbeing. Therapy isn’t about being broken; it’s about being brave enough to face things honestly and to seek tools, perspective, and connection along the way.

3. Will my therapist judge me for the things I tell them?

Therapists are specifically trained to listen with curiosity rather than judgment. Their clinical education emphasizes empathy, cultural humility, and understanding behavior in context. They are taught to approach your experiences with compassion and to help you make sense of what you’re going through, not to evaluate or criticize you. Chances are, they’ve heard a wide range of human experiences and recognize that every person’s story is unique; shaped by pain, resilience, and life circumstances. Therapy is a place where you can be honest, even about the things that feel heavy or hard to say, and still be met with care and respect.

Therapy is a valuable resource for anyone facing challenges or seeking personal growth. It takes courage to reach out for support, and doing so reflects strength and self-awareness. If you’re thinking about therapy, I hope these answers help you feel more comfortable and confident in taking that next step.