For many people, mental health care seems to come in just two forms: medication from a provider or weekly therapy. If things get really bad, the next step often seems to be a trip to the emergency room or a hospital stay focused on safety. But outside of these extremes, most people aren’t aware that other, more supportive options exist.

Starting therapy is a big step that takes courage and self-awareness. But beyond showing up to sessions, something else makes therapy work: trust. Think about any close, supportive relationship in your life. Whether it’s a best friend, a partner, or a mentor, the foundation of that connection is trust. Therapy is no different.

Psychotherapy is a unique process that serves to better one’s life through the understanding and unraveling of past experiences and how they impact behavior thoughts and feelings in the present.  Thus, outlining goals in such a process, where goals may change over time presents a challenge to a more contained goal-setting strategy that applies to say, physical therapy.