Can your first therapy session be a fevikwik solution?

 As individuals navigating changes in our environment, we all might struggle at some point in life where we feel stuck. With the growing awareness of mental health, many of us have come to believe that help is available. While this is a positive step toward prioritizing mental well-being, it has also led to a common trend- stopping therapy abruptly after the first session, often before significant progress is made.

In my practice, I’ve observed that many people expect instant solutions, often asking:

“Can you tell me what I need to do?”

“Is what I’m doing right?”

“Can you give me something to fix this problem?”

People may feel they are paying MHPs (mental health professionals) to find the Fevikwik that will quickly fix their problems. But therapy isn’t about quick fixes, and approaching sessions with this mindset can lead to frustration when problems remain unresolved. Therapy is a process, not a one-time event. Typically, it would take at least 3–4 sessions to start seeing progress. And expecting the counselor/therapist to make decisions for you, resolve your mood issues, or fix unhealthy relationships isn’t what therapy is designed to do. Instead, it is a space where they act as resources, guiding and equipping to work on yourselves.

 Speaking of the counseling or therapy process- can we expect builders to finish designing and decorating our interiors just by standing at the doorway? Similarly, counselors/therapists needs time to understand us beyond the issues we initially present. Therapy sessions are typically 45–50 minutes long, and within that time, it can be challenging to unpack everything. Many people come to therapy during or after difficult experiences, seeking someone to listen. It’s natural to feel like the first session doesn’t provide complete clarity. However, it’s important to remember that one session is just the beginning—there hasn’t been enough time to fully explore your inner ‘home.’

 Leaving the door open for the builder to work on or interiors doesn’t happen in just one meeting. Builders remain strangers until they’ve worked on and transformed the interiors, helping us appreciate the time and effort it takes. So next time, drop the Fevikwik approach and warmly invite the builder into your home