What to Expect When Working with a Therapist in Denver
So, you’ve decided to start therapy in Denver—congratulations! Change can feel intimidating, so taking this step toward improving your well-being and quality of life is a big deal, and you should be proud of yourself.
Having Concerns about Therapy?
It’s completely normal to have questions about what therapy will be like, especially when so much about it can feel unknown. You might wonder if you’ll know what to say in sessions, worry about feeling judged, or fear that therapy might be too overwhelming. Maybe you’re even questioning if you’ll make progress or if you’ll click with your therapist.
All of these concerns are valid. The good news is that Denver offers a wide range of therapists and therapy styles, from traditional talk therapy to creative approaches like art therapy and somatic practices. With such a diverse selection, you’re likely to find a method—and a therapist—that fits your needs. And if you don’t? It’s okay to try something new until it feels right. Therapy is all about finding what works best for you.
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Your First Therapy Session: What to Expect
Your first session with a therapist in Denver will often feel like a mix of newness and reassurance. Most therapists will provide practical details upfront—either during a consultation or via email—so you’ll know what to expect before you arrive. They might share how to find their office, where to park, whether they’ll come out to greet you, or how to log on if you’re doing a virtual session.
Once the session starts, every therapist has their own style, but the first meeting is typically focused on building a foundation. This often includes reviewing your background, exploring your goals for therapy, and starting to get to know each other. For example, as an art therapist, I like to end first sessions with a simple therapeutic art activity. It’s a way to leave you with something tangible to practice between sessions—because therapy is all about giving you tools to support your growth.
Tips to Prepare
If you’re feeling nervous about being judged or misunderstood, you’re not alone. It’s natural to worry about opening up to someone new. The good news is that therapists are trained to create a safe, non-judgmental space where you can share freely. That said, building trust and safety takes time, and it’s okay to go at your own pace. Be patient with yourself as you adjust to this new relationship.
Here are a few tips to help you feel more at ease before your first session:
Arrive a little early to give yourself time to find the office, park, and take a few calming breaths in your car.
If you’re meeting virtually, create a comfortable space—light a candle, grab a cozy blanket, or set up in a quiet room to minimize distractions.
Bring a notebook to jot down anything that stands out or feels important during the session.
Be gentle with yourself. There’s no need to have it all figured out right away. Therapy is a process, and it’s okay to ease into it.
What Therapists in Denver Want You to Know About Confidentiality
You might wonder: if you're opening up to a therapist about your life experiences and challenges, how can you be sure your information stays private? It's a valid concern. A therapist in Denver has an ethical and legal responsibility to keep what you share in therapy confidential, with very few exceptions required by law.
In Colorado, therapists must also follow HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) guidelines, ensuring your health information is stored and transmitted securely. This means you can trust that your communication with your therapist remains safe and protected.
Exceptions to Confidentiality
In the state of Colorado, communications between a client and therapist are kept confidential. However, there are some exceptions that apply:
Danger to self or others: If a therapist has reason to believe their client is at risk of hurting themself or others, the therapist may disclose information to protect their client or others who are at risk.
Mandatory reporting of abuse: Therapists are required to report suspected child abuse or neglect, elder abuse, or abuse of individuals with disabilities to authorities.
Subpoenas or court orders: Therapists may be required to share information if subpoenaed by a court or ordered by a judge. However, therapists typically work to limit disclosure to what is necessary and protect client privacy as much as possible.
Medical emergencies: In cases of a medical emergency where disclosure is necessary to protect the client, some information may be shared with medical professionals.
Client complaints against the therapist: If a client files a complaint or lawsuit against the therapist, confidentiality may be waived to allow the therapist to defend themselves.
Consent by a guardian: For clients under 18, parents or legal guardians generally have access to therapy records, although exceptions exist for emancipated minors or if therapy is court-ordered.
The Ongoing Therapy Process: Building a Connection with Your Therapist in Denver
Just like any meaningful relationship, the therapeutic bond between a client and therapist grows and deepens over time. Building this connection requires patience, openness, and mutual effort. In the early sessions, your therapist is learning about you—your story, your challenges, and your goals, as well as how you both communicate and work together. This process lays the foundation for trust and understanding, which are essential for meaningful progress in therapy.
How Connection is Built
It’s completely normal for therapy to feel a bit awkward or slow at first. Building trust takes time, and a skilled therapist will meet you where you are emotionally, moving at a pace that feels comfortable for you. As your connection with your therapist grows, they will create a safe and supportive environment where you can explore your emotions, reflect on your experiences, and experiment with new ways of thinking and being. This relationship goes beyond comfort—it's a collaborative partnership designed to empower you to take risks, grow, and heal.
Common approaches therapists in Denver may use to build safety and trust with their clients could include the use of mindfulness or art therapy. As an art therapist, for example, I might invite you to check in with your emotions, name them, and create a quick, five-minute drawing to express how you feel. This simple, yet powerful exercise allows you to slow down, recognize and process your emotions, and use creativity to explore them further. It also fosters self-trust while demonstrating that your therapist is genuinely invested in your well-being. Through these intentional practices, the therapeutic bond strengthens, creating a foundation for deeper work and meaningful progress.
How to Know if Therapy is Working for You
Every client enters therapy with their own unique struggles, experiences, and goals, so progress will naturally look different for everyone. Broadly speaking, signs of progress might include improved coping skills, stronger relationships, or increased emotional awareness. However, the way these changes unfold will vary based on your personal journey.
Growth Can Be Non-Linear
Similar to the therapeutic relationship, growth and progress in therapy take time. It’s important to remember that progress isn’t always linear. At times, it might feel like you’re taking steps backward or even feeling worse before you start to feel better. This is normal and often part of the healing process. Therapy asks you to confront emotions and experiences you may have avoided or kept hidden—sometimes for years. Sharing these vulnerable parts of yourself can feel uncomfortable or even overwhelming at first.
While stirring up these emotions can be challenging, processing them in therapy creates space for healing and reconnection. By working through difficult feelings, you begin to let go of what weighs you down, making room for greater self-awareness, relief, and a return to feeling more like yourself.
You’ll know therapy is working for you when you start to notice gradual, positive changes. These might include feeling more comfortable with your therapist, opening up more during sessions, becoming more aware of your emotions or physical sensations, or handling stressors with greater ease. Progress can be subtle at first, but over time, these shifts can indicate that the therapeutic process is benefiting you.
Finding Your Way in Therapy in Denver
Therapy is a journey that begins with choosing the right therapist in Denver and continues with open communication and patience. It’s natural to have questions or feel nervous about starting therapy, wondering if it might feel overwhelming. Hopefully, this blog post has eased some of your concerns and provided clarity about what to expect. As you move forward, keep in mind your “why” for seeking therapy, which is likely some version of investing in your well-being to create meaningful change in your life.
If you’ve been working with a therapist for a while but haven’t noticed positive changes, it may be time to reassess. Share your concerns with your therapist, and work together to refocus your sessions or explore the possibility of switching to another therapist whose approach better suits your needs. Denver offers a wide variety of therapists, so there’s a good chance you’ll find one you truly connect with and who can support your journey effectively.
Next Steps
Curious about what therapy could look like for you? If you’re ready to explore how your creative process could support you, download The Therapeutic Art Guidebook for creative tools to help you slow down and reconnect with yourself through simple, mindful art prompts. Start discovering what’s possible today!
Did you like what we talked about today? Check out related articles: Finding the Right Therapist in Denver, Consultation Questions to Ask a Psychologist, Counselor or Therapist in Denver, FAQs About Counseling and Therapy in Denver
