Bearing Witness: Why Therapy Is More Than a Profession

When you walk into a therapy session, it may seem like my work begins the moment you sit down and ends when you leave. In reality, there is a whole world of preparation, reflection, and behind-the-scenes effort that goes into providing effective therapy. While much of this work is invisible to you, it’s an essential part of ensuring our time together is thoughtful, ethical, and impactful.

Preparing Before Sessions

Long before you arrive, I’ve usually reviewed notes from our previous sessions. I refresh my memory about what you shared, check in on the goals we set, and think about strategies that might help you move forward. I also consider which questions to ask and which interventions might best support your progress.

This preparation means that when you walk in, I’m ready to meet you where you are—not scrambling to remember what we discussed last week.

Staying Current With Research

You may not see it, but I spend time outside of sessions reading research, attending trainings, and completing continuing education. The field of mental health is always evolving, with new findings on treatment approaches, brain science, and cultural considerations. Staying current allows me to bring the most effective, evidence-based practices into our work together.

Consultation and Supervision

I don’t work in isolation. To provide the best care, I often participate in consultation or supervision groups where I can discuss cases (always confidentially and without identifying details) with trusted colleagues. These conversations help me gain new perspectives, identify blind spots, and ensure that I’m approaching your treatment in an ethical and effective way. Think of it as me having a professional “support team” that helps me be the best therapist possible for you.

Note-Taking and Documentation

After our sessions, I write progress notes. These document what we discussed, interventions I used, and plans for future sessions. You’ll likely never see these notes, but they’re vital for tracking progress, coordinating care when appropriate, and meeting ethical or legal standards. They also help me reflect on what’s working and where I may need to adjust my approach.

Emotional Self-Care

Therapists hold space for a wide range of human experiences—heartbreak, grief, trauma, resilience, and joy. While I’m trained to manage these emotions professionally, I also need to care for my own well-being. What you don’t see are the walks, journaling, mindfulness practices, or peer support conversations that help me stay grounded. This self-care ensures I can show up fully present for you, week after week.

Customizing the Experience

Good therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all. Between sessions, I often brainstorm creative ways to tailor my approach to your unique needs. For one client, this might mean integrating art or journaling exercises; for another, it may involve role plays, mindfulness practices, or restructuring thought patterns through cognitive-behavioral techniques. What may feel like a natural conversation in session is often the result of thoughtful planning and adaptation on my part.

Reflecting on Progress

I also reflect on your progress between sessions. I think about patterns I’m noticing, potential barriers to growth, and strategies to introduce next time. Sometimes, I even celebrate your wins privately, proud of the hard work you’re doing—even if you don’t always see your progress yet.

The Work You Don’t See, for the Work You Do See

Therapy is so much more than the 50 minutes we spend together. Behind the scenes, I’m preparing, reflecting, consulting, and learning—all with the goal of helping you feel supported, understood, and empowered.

So while it may look like I “just show up and listen,” the reality is that the unseen work lays the foundation for the visible work of healing and growth. That invisible effort is part of the honor and responsibility of being a therapist: to give each client the best care possible, even when no one is watching.

A Final Note to My Clients

Thank you for trusting me with your story. Every time you show up—whether you feel strong, uncertain, or somewhere in between—you remind me why I chose this work. It is a privilege to walk alongside you in your journey, and I am continually honored to be part of your process of growth and healing.