Therapy Basics

What to Talk About in Therapy

Wondering what to talk about in therapy? Here's a guide to help you understand what's appropriate to discuss and how to get the most out of your sessions.

Common Topics in Therapy

Your Feelings

Emotions, mood, anxiety, sadness, anger, fear

Your Thoughts

Worries, negative thoughts, self-criticism, beliefs

Your Behaviors

Patterns, habits, avoidance, reactions

Relationships

Family, friends, romantic partners, conflicts

Past Experiences

Childhood, trauma, significant events, memories

Current Challenges

Work stress, life transitions, decisions

Goals & Dreams

What you want, values, aspirations

Self-Understanding

Who you are, patterns, strengths, growth

How to Start a Conversation

If you're not sure where to start, try:

  • Talk about what brought you to therapy
  • Share what's been on your mind lately
  • Discuss something that happened since last session
  • Bring up something you're struggling with
  • Talk about goals you want to work on
  • Share something you've been avoiding
  • Ask your therapist for guidance if you're stuck

Remember: You Can Talk About Anything

Therapy is a safe space where you can discuss:

  • Anything that's bothering you or on your mind
  • Things you feel uncomfortable talking about elsewhere
  • Thoughts and feelings you might judge yourself for
  • Past experiences, including trauma
  • Things you're ashamed or embarrassed about
  • Conflicts and relationship issues
  • Your goals, dreams, and aspirations

Your Therapist is There to Help

Your therapist is trained to help you explore whatever you need to discuss. There's no "right" or "wrong" thing to talk about - what matters is what's important to you.