How Does Therapy Work?
A clear, honest guide to what you can expect when you start therapy with us.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Starting therapy can feel daunting, especially if it is your first time. This page walks you through the process — from your very first contact with us to the end of your therapy journey — so you know exactly what to expect at every stage.
THE PROCESS
Free 20-Minute Phone Consultation
We begin with a complimentary 20-minute phone call. This gives you the opportunity to ask questions, share what has brought you to therapy, and get a sense of whether Juliana is the right fit for you — with no obligation to proceed.
Initial Assessment Session
Your first full session is an intake appointment. Juliana will explore your background, current concerns, and goals for therapy. Together you will discuss what approaches may be most helpful and agree on a plan for your work together.
Ongoing Therapy Sessions
Sessions are 50 minutes and held weekly or fortnightly depending on your needs. Each session builds on the last — processing experiences, developing coping skills, and working toward the changes you want to see in your life.
Review & Adjust
Progress is reviewed regularly. Juliana will check in on how the work is landing for you, adjust the approach as needed, and celebrate the gains you have made. Therapy ends when you feel ready — there is no fixed number of sessions.
SETTING EXPECTATIONS
Therapy is…
- A confidential, non-judgmental space
- A collaborative process between you and your therapist
- Evidence-based and tailored to your needs
- A place to explore difficult emotions safely
- A long-term investment in your wellbeing
Therapy is not…
- A quick fix or instant solution
- The therapist telling you what to do
- Only for people in crisis
- A sign of weakness
- The same as talking to a friend
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How long does therapy take?
The length of therapy varies depending on your goals and the nature of what you are working through. Some clients find significant relief in 8–12 sessions; others benefit from longer-term work. You and Juliana will review progress regularly and decide together.
Is therapy confidential?
Yes. Everything discussed in sessions is strictly confidential. The only exceptions are situations where there is a serious risk of harm to yourself or others, or where disclosure is required by law — and Juliana will explain these limits clearly at the outset.
Do you offer online sessions?
Yes. Sessions are available both in-person at our Robinson Road office in Singapore and online via secure video call. Online therapy is equally effective and offers greater flexibility for those with busy schedules or who are based overseas.
What is EMDR and is it right for me?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based therapy for trauma. It uses bilateral stimulation — such as guided eye movements — to help the brain process distressing memories so they lose their emotional charge. Juliana is a fully trained EMDRIA-certified therapist and will assess whether EMDR is appropriate for your situation.
Can I bring my partner to sessions?
Yes. Juliana offers Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT) for partners who want to work on their relationship together. Couples sessions are separate from individual sessions and follow a different structure.
What languages are sessions available in?
Sessions are available in English and Mandarin (普通话). Juliana's multicultural background — having lived and worked across Asia, Australia, France, and Korea — means she is sensitive to cross-cultural nuances in therapy.
READY TO BEGIN?
Take the first step — it starts with a conversation.
Book your free 20-minute phone consultation today. There is no obligation, and you can ask any questions you have before committing to anything.