What to Talk About in Therapy
When you don’t know what to talk about in therapy, start with whatever weighs on you: the week’s events, a feeling that keeps coming back, a relationship. To decide what to discuss with your therapist, pick two or three moments from the week.
What do you talk about with a therapist
Talking therapies are about your thoughts, feelings and behaviour. Common topics:
- what happened since the last session;
- relationships;
- your past;
- situations you find hard;
- homework.
The same goes for what to talk about with a psychologist.
What to talk about in your first therapy session
The therapist mostly asks what you want help with. Not sure what to tell your therapist? Say why you came now.
What to talk to your therapist about when you have nothing
“I don’t know what to talk about” is an honest start. If you keep asking “what should I talk to my therapist about?”, take something small from the week.
What to talk about in therapy for depression
When mood is low, days blur together. Short notes help: how you slept and which moments felt lighter.
What can you tell a therapist
Anything that matters, including awkward things and honest feedback on the therapy. If you don’t feel safe with a therapist, you don’t have to continue.
Sources: NHS, BACP, BSMHFT (NHS).
Keep notes between sessions
In the Brimmy feelings journal, the Sessions tab keeps homework and notes for the next session. It’s free.
- Turn on “I see a therapist” in Settings.
- Add homework or a note, log an event or a feeling.
- Before the session, share the Session PDF.
Session PDF
Brimmy
Session Notes
Period: since October 1 · session October 9
Homework
Before answering a hard message, pause and take three breaths
Notes
Why do I go quiet when someone disagrees with me?
Events and Feelings
October 7
No description
curious, joyful
October 8
Call with my manager, the deadline moved
nervous, irritated
Body: lump in the throat, tense shoulders
Thoughts: I won’t make it, and everyone will think I can’t cope
Actions: Split the tasks by day, went for a walk in the evening
No description
calm
Feelings in This Period
nervous: 6
irritated: 4
curious: 4
calm: 3
insecure: 2
joyful: 2