What to Talk About in Therapy: 31 Ideas to Consider

When seeking therapy, knowing what to talk about in therapy is key to achieving the best results. In this guide, we’ll explore 31 essential topics to discuss during therapy sessions. 

These conversations can help you understand yourself better, improve your relationships, and find solutions to life’s challenges. So, let’s dive into what to talk about in therapy and make the most of your therapeutic journey.

1. What Prompted You to Contact a Therapist?

When you thought about seeing a therapist, something must have happened. It could be stress, sadness, or a life change. Sharing this with your therapist is important. It helps both of you set goals for your therapy journey. 

Maybe you want to feel less anxious or handle problems better. Talking about what prompted you to seek therapy guides your sessions and makes them more effective.

2. Feelings About Therapy

Your feelings about therapy matter. If you feel unsure, nervous, or even scared, that’s okay. Your therapist wants to know. Being honest about your feelings is more important than hiding them. They can help you work through these emotions. 

You might discover that therapy becomes a safe and supportive place where you can open up. Your therapist is there to help you feel comfortable and guide you through the process, no matter how you feel about therapy initially.

3. Previous Therapy Experiences

If you’ve been in therapy before, share your experiences with your new therapist. Talk about what you found helpful or not. This information is like a map that helps your therapist understand you better.

If you’ve had positive experiences, your therapist can build on what worked. If something didn’t go well in the past, sharing it helps your therapist avoid repeating what didn’t help. It’s all about making your current therapy experience as effective as possible.

4. Current Relationships 

Your relationships with family, friends, and coworkers are important. Talk about them in therapy. Discuss the good and the challenging parts. It helps you and your therapist understand how you connect with others. 

If you’re having problems in your relationships, talking about them can lead to better communication and setting boundaries. Your therapist can give you strategies to improve these connections, making your life happier and more fulfilling.

5. Sexuality 

Don’t feel embarrassed about discussing sex and relationships in therapy. Therapists are here to help with any concerns or questions you have in this area. Whether it’s about sexual orientation, intimacy, or relationship issues, open conversations about sexuality can lead to a healthier understanding of yourself. 

Your therapist provides a safe space to discuss these matters without judgment, so you can address any challenges or uncertainties you may have.

6. Current Job/Career

Your job is a big part of your life. Share with your therapist what you do at work and what you like or don’t like about it. This information isn’t just about your job; it can lead to deeper discussions about how you communicate and see the world in your workplace. Your therapist can help you navigate any work-related challenges and improve your job satisfaction.

7. Places Where You Feel Stuck

We all have moments when we feel like life isn’t moving forward. These are the times to talk to your therapist. Share the areas where you feel stuck, whether it’s in your personal life, career, or relationships. 

Your therapist can provide guidance and strategies to help you find ways to move ahead. Remember, it’s okay to seek help when you feel stuck. Therapy can be a valuable resource for breaking through these barriers.

8. Creative Endeavors 

If you have creative hobbies like art, writing, or music, don’t hesitate to share them with your therapist. Creativity can be a powerful way to express difficult emotions and thoughts. 

Your creations can be a window into your inner world, and discussing them in therapy allows you to explore challenging issues in a unique and meaningful way. Your therapist can help you uncover insights and use your creative talents as a tool for personal growth and healing.

9. Personal Strengths

Therapy isn’t just about problems; it’s also about recognizing your strengths. Talk to your therapist about what you’re good at, whether it’s being a good friend, a problem solver, or a creative thinker. Understanding your strengths helps you and your therapist plan how to use them to overcome challenges and achieve your goals. Embracing your strengths is a positive step toward personal growth and building self-confidence.

10. Current Coping Strategies

Share with your therapist how you deal with stress and difficult times. Explaining your current coping strategies helps your therapist understand how you handle challenges. 

They can then offer guidance on improving these strategies or suggest healthier ways to cope with tough situations. Effective coping mechanisms are essential for your emotional well-being, and therapy is a place where you can learn and practice these valuable skills.

11. Trigger Points 

Sometimes, small things can trigger strong emotional reactions. Discuss with your therapist what sets off these reactions in you. Understanding your trigger points is crucial for emotional self-awareness. 

Your therapist can help you explore the underlying reasons behind these triggers and develop strategies to manage them better. Identifying and addressing trigger points can lead to greater emotional stability and improved relationships with others.

12. Major Life Transitions

Big life changes, like moving to a new place or starting a new job, can bring about a whirlwind of emotions. In therapy, you can talk about the feelings and challenges that come with these transitions. 

Your therapist can provide support and coping strategies to help you navigate through these changes successfully. Whether it’s the excitement of a new beginning or the sadness of leaving something behind, addressing major life transitions in therapy allows you to adapt and thrive during these shifts.

13. Grief 

Grief isn’t just about losing someone you love. It can be about any significant loss in your life, such as the end of a relationship or the loss of a dream. In therapy, you can openly discuss your grief, even if it’s not related to death. 

Your therapist can provide a compassionate space to process these emotions, offer guidance on coping with grief, and help you find ways to feel better. Grief is a natural part of life, and therapy can assist you in navigating its complex emotions.

14. Childhood Experiences 

Discussing your childhood in therapy is vital. Your therapist wants to understand how your past shapes your present. Childhood experiences, both positive and challenging, can affect your beliefs, behaviors, and emotions today. 

By exploring these memories, you gain insight into your patterns and reactions. Your therapist can then help you work through any unresolved issues from your early years, allowing you to build a healthier present and future.

15. Abuse/Neglect/Violence

It’s okay to talk about painful experiences in therapy, such as abuse, neglect, or violence. These conversations are essential for healing. Your therapist provides a safe space to share these difficult memories. Through therapy, you can process the emotions tied to these past traumas, develop coping strategies, and regain a sense of control and safety in your life.

16. Generational Patterns

Patterns often run in families, such as addiction or anger issues. Talking about these patterns in therapy helps break the cycle. By examining your family’s history, you can better understand the roots of certain behaviors and learn how to make positive changes. Your therapist can guide you in creating healthier generational legacies.

17. Medical History

Your medical history can impact your emotional well-being. If you’ve faced significant health challenges, share them in therapy. These experiences may affect how you feel about your body and your overall mental health. Your therapist can help you navigate the emotional aspects of your medical history and develop strategies to cope with any related stress or trauma.

18. Fears About the Future

Thinking about the future can be anxiety-inducing. In therapy, it’s important to discuss your worries. Whether it’s fear of the unknown, career concerns, or life changes, your therapist can help you make sense of your anxieties and create a plan to address them. Open conversations about your fears provide clarity and can lead to more confident decision-making.

19. Hopes For the Future 

Not all therapy discussions are sad. Share your dreams and aspirations for the future. Talking about your hopes allows you to set positive goals and work towards them. Your therapist can guide turning your dreams into reality and help you develop the skills and mindset needed to reach your desired future.

20. That Thing You’re Avoiding Talking About

We all have topics we’d rather avoid, but in therapy, it’s crucial to share them. Your therapist is trained to handle tough conversations. Discussing uncomfortable subjects allows you to confront and process these issues, leading to personal growth and healing. Avoidance can prolong emotional distress while addressing these matters can bring relief and clarity.

21. What to Talk About When Things Are Going Well

Even during good times, therapy remains valuable. Discuss what’s contributing to your happiness and well-being. Reflecting on positive experiences can help you appreciate your strengths and build resilience. It also allows your therapist to reinforce healthy patterns and provide support as you continue on your positive path. Therapy isn’t just for addressing problems; it’s for enhancing your overall mental and emotional wellness.

22. Ending Therapy Intentionally 

Think about how therapy will end when you’re ready. It’s important to talk about it with your therapist to have a good ending.

23. How to Find a Therapist

If you’re looking for a therapist, it’s not always easy. Ask friends or use online resources to find someone who can help you.

24. Coping with Anxiety 

Anxiety can make life hard. Talk to your therapist about what makes you anxious. They can teach you ways to calm down.

25. Exploring Family Dynamics

Our families play a big role in our lives. Talk about your family with your therapist to understand how it affects you.

26. Self-Identity and Self-Esteem

How you see yourself matters. Talk to your therapist about your self-esteem and identity. They can help you feel better about yourself.

27. Communication Skills 

Good communication makes life easier. Talk about your communication style with your therapist. They can help improve your skills.

28. Managing Stress 

Life can be a whirlwind of stress. Don’t keep it to yourself; share with your therapist what’s weighing you down. They have a treasure trove of techniques and strategies to help you navigate stress more effectively. Whether it’s work pressure, family issues, or daily hassles, discussing your stressors in therapy enables you to gain valuable insights and develop healthier coping mechanisms. Your therapist can guide you toward a calmer and more balanced life.

29. Setting Boundaries

Boundaries are like lines we draw to protect ourselves. Talking about your boundaries with your therapist is crucial. It’s about knowing what you’re comfortable with and what you’re not. 

Your therapist can help you establish healthy limits in your life, whether it’s in relationships, work, or personal space. Learning to set and maintain boundaries is an essential skill for self-care and building healthier connections with others.

30. Dealing with Loss 

Loss can leave a heavy weight on your heart. In therapy, it’s okay to talk about the sadness and grief you feel. Whether you’ve lost a loved one, a relationship, or a dream, sharing your feelings of loss is a vital part of the healing process. 

Your therapist is there to provide a safe space for you to grieve and find ways to cope with the pain. Through these conversations, you can gradually find solace and learn to carry the memory of what you’ve lost with greater strength.

31. Self-Compassion and Self-Care

Being kind to yourself is a powerful form of self-love. Discuss self-compassion and self-care with your therapist. They will guide you on the journey to treating yourself with love and care, just as you would a dear friend. 

In therapy, you’ll explore ways to prioritize your well-being, set healthy boundaries, and nurture your physical and emotional needs. Remember, self-compassion isn’t selfish; it’s a fundamental aspect of a balanced and fulfilling life. Your therapist will be your ally in this transformative process, helping you grow in self-love and self-care.

Conclusion

Understanding what to talk about in therapy is vital for your therapeutic progress. These 31 topics, ranging from past experiences to future aspirations, provide a roadmap for productive discussions with your therapist. Remember, therapy is a safe space to share your thoughts and feelings, and your therapist is there to support you. By addressing these subjects, you can work towards greater self-awareness, improved mental health, and a more fulfilling life. So, don’t hesitate to initiate these conversations and embark on a transformative journey toward personal growth and well-being.