Starting therapy is an important step toward improving your mental health and overall well-being. At Wholesome Psychology, with locations in both Edmonton and St. Albert, we strive to provide a welcoming and safe space for individuals, couples, and families seeking support. Whether this is your first time considering therapy or you’re returning after a break, understanding what to expect from counseling can help you feel more at ease and prepared for your journey.
Understanding the Therapy Process
Therapy is a collaborative and client-centered journey. At Wholesome Psychology, our approach is rooted in respect, compassion, and empowerment, aligning with our core values of integrity, inclusivity, and holistic wellness. From your initial inquiry through to ongoing sessions, every step is designed to support you as a unique individual, responding with empathy and practical guidance to help you meet your goals. For more about our approach, visit our unique approach page.
Before Your First Therapy Session
Before attending your first session in Edmonton or St. Albert, you might feel a mix of curiosity, hope, and perhaps anxiety. These emotions are completely normal. When you schedule an appointment at Wholesome Psychology, our supportive administrative team will help you with logistics, such as confirming your session time and explaining arrival procedures to make your visit smooth and stress-free. For more about getting started, check out getting started with therapy.
- Confidential Intake: You’ll typically be asked to fill out an intake form, which helps your therapist understand the challenges you're facing and your goals for therapy.
- Therapist Matching: We aim to connect you with a psychologist or therapist who aligns with your preferences, whether that be communication style, specialty, or lived experience. Learn more about our team at our therapists page.
Your First Therapy Appointment: What Happens?
The first session is a foundation for your therapeutic relationship. Here’s what you can expect:
- Warm Welcome: Your therapist will greet you in a friendly, non-judgmental manner, prioritizing your comfort and privacy.
- Goal Setting: You’ll discuss your reasons for seeking therapy and begin setting goals together. These might include managing anxiety or depression, processing a life transition, supporting your family’s well-being, or navigating relationship concerns. Read about life transitions for more information.
- Consent and Boundaries: Your psychologist or therapist will review confidentiality, answer your questions and establish mutual boundaries so you can feel safe and respected in every session.
- Personalized Plan: Therapy is not one-size-fits-all. Your therapist will introduce treatment approaches that best fit your needs, which may include modalities such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based strategies, or family therapy, depending on your goals.
Common Questions About Therapy
- How long does a session last? Standard therapy sessions typically last 50 minutes. However, some specialized sessions or assessments may vary in length depending on your needs. See our FAQ for more details.
- How many sessions will I need? Every individual or family’s counseling journey is different. Some clients benefit from a brief, solution-focused approach, while others find ongoing support valuable over a longer period. Your therapist will revisit your goals together as you progress and ensure your care is always responsive to your needs. Learn more about our services.
- What if I’m nervous? It's completely normal to feel uncertain or anxious about starting therapy. Our therapists specialize in working with new clients and those who may have had past negative therapy experiences. Your comfort is our top priority, and we welcome your questions at every stage.
The Benefits of Therapy at Wholesome Psychology
Our therapists in Edmonton and St. Albert are committed to fostering trusting relationships and a holistic perspective, recognizing the impact of your individual story, cultural background, and the systems you’re part of. Counseling can help you:
- Gain a clearer understanding of your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors
- Build healthy coping skills for stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, and more
- Work through challenging life transitions, relationships, or family dynamics. For more, visit family issues.
- Strengthen communication and boundary-setting skills
- Boost self-esteem and self-acceptance
- Promote resilience, self-compassion, and hope
If you are seeking more information about therapy for anxiety, depression, or trauma, explore our in-depth pages on anxiety treatment, trauma therapy, or anxiety and depression.
Navigating Barriers and Building Connections
Our philosophy is deeply rooted in creating a sense of belonging and understanding. We recognize that cultural, financial, and systemic barriers can impact access to mental health support in Edmonton and St. Albert. If you are facing obstacles—whether practical, emotional, or relational—please let us know. We are committed to exploring solutions together, supporting every client’s right to compassionate, inclusive, and evidence-based care.
For those unsure about what type of therapy is right for you, our team offers guidance and a range of options to match your preferences. To learn more about specific therapy types, visit:
Your Role in the Counseling Process
Therapy works best when it’s a collaborative relationship. You are the expert on your own life. Your therapist’s role is to provide expertise in psychological science, guidance during times of challenge, and encouragement as you grow. We invite you to:
- Share honestly and openly about your experiences, whenever you feel ready
- Ask questions—about the therapy process, approaches, or anything that arises
- Reflect on what resonates in session and explore between-session insights or homework
- Participate in a way that honors your pacing, values, and comfort
How to Prepare for Therapy
- Take time to reflect on what you hope to get out of therapy—whether practical strategies, emotional healing, or improved relationships.
- Write down questions to ask your therapist, such as their training, approach, or thoughts on your goals. For more on our team, visit therapists.
- Be gentle with yourself. Starting therapy is a strong, proactive step—progress may be gradual, and your therapist will support you at your pace.
Why Choose Therapy at Wholesome Psychology?
Wholesome Psychology is deeply committed to serving the communities of Edmonton and St. Albert with compassion, evidence-based care, and integrity. Our therapists bring a diversity of clinical backgrounds, lived experience, and cultural sensitivity, creating an inclusive environment for all clients. We support clients from all walks of life, including children, teens, adults, seniors, families, and couples. To explore issues affecting parents and families, visit our section on parenting support or child & youth therapy.
Ready to begin your therapy journey in Edmonton or St. Albert? Our experienced team is here to support you. Your path to healing, growth, and resilience starts with a single step. If you have more questions or wish to book your first appointment, please contact us today.
