How therapy works
What is therapy
People often ask what therapy actually involves.
In many ways, therapy is simply a conversation, but it is a different kind of conversation. It is time set aside entirely for you, with someone whose role is to listen carefully, think alongside you and help you make sense of your experiences.
Sometimes therapy offers the opportunity to tell your story in a different way. Having the time and space to reflect with another person can help you notice things that may never have been thought about before, or understand your experiences from a different perspective. It is often through these moments of understanding that change can begin.
Rather than offering advice or telling you what to do, therapy encourages curiosity about your thoughts, feelings, relationships and experiences, allowing us to explore them together without judgement.
Different therapists work in different ways, which is why finding someone who feels like a good fit is an important part of the process
Does therapy work?
It's a reasonable question.
If you're considering therapy for the first time, you may well wonder whether talking to someone for fifty minutes each week can really make a difference. It's something many people ask before they begin.
The encouraging news is that psychotherapy is one of the most extensively researched treatments for emotional and psychological difficulties. Thousands of studies carried out over several decades have found that therapy can help many people experiencing challenges such as anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, low self-esteem and life transitions. Research also suggests that therapy can improve our overall wellbeing and help us better understand ourselves, our relationships and the patterns that shape our lives.
If you're interested in the research behind psychotherapy, these are good places to start:
Flückiger, C. et al. (2024). How does psychotherapy work? Annual Review of Clinical Psychology.
American Psychological Association – Understanding Psychotherapy.
BACP – About Therapy
The Therapeutic Relationship
Perhaps one of the most interesting findings is that the quality of the relationship between therapist and client is one of the strongest predictors of successful therapy. Feeling understood, accepted and able to speak openly with another person appears to make a meaningful difference, regardless of the particular type of therapy being used.
That is one of the reasons why finding a therapist who feels like the right fit is so important.
Of course, therapy isn't a quick fix, and no therapist can promise particular outcomes. Every person is different, and every therapeutic relationship develops in its own way. My role is simply to offer a thoughtful, collaborative and non-judgemental space where we can begin to understand whatever has brought you here, and together consider whether things might be able to feel different.
Thinking about starting therapy?
Finding the right therapist matters. I offer an initial conversation where you can ask questions, tell me a little about what has brought you to therapy and get a sense of whether working together feels right.
How starting works
1
A free introductory call
Twenty minutes by phone or video. You can tell me a little about what has brought you here, ask any questions and get a sense of how I work.
2
Your first session
Fifty minutes where we can explore things in more depth and both consider whether working together feels right.
3
We decide together
Sessions are usually weekly. Some people come with something specific they want to work through; others prefer a more open-ended space. Both are welcome.
Get in touch
If you’re thinking about starting therapy, you’re welcome to send me a message below. I’ll get back to you as soon as I can to arrange an introductory conversation (usually within 1-2 days).
You can also contact me directly by email maxstonertherapy@gmail.com or phone 07791833947 if you’d prefer.
Your information will be treated confidentially and only used to respond to your enquiry.