What Does a Therapy Session Look Like?
- Juliana Villabona
- Mar 31
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 29
Potential clients often ask me a common question: what will a session be like? This is a very good question, as every session and every client is different.
When clients ask what therapy will look like when integrating approaches like EMDR, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, CBT, AEDP, DBT, and parts work, I usually explain it as a flexible, tailored process rather than a one-size-fits-all method. During the initial session(s) we will get to know each other, identifying treatment goals, and therapeutic approaches. At times that is a very straightforward process, some other times it is not.
Therapy with me isn’t about choosing one single technique—it’s about using the right tools at the right time, based on what you need in the moment.
Getting Started: Building Safety and Coping Skills
At the beginning, we focus on building safety, trust, and stability. This often includes skills from Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy—things like grounding, emotional regulation, and understanding how thoughts, feelings, and behaviours interact. These skills help create a foundation so that deeper work doesn’t feel overwhelming.
At the same time, we pay attention to your body. Approaches like Sensorimotor Psychotherapy help us notice physical sensations, tension, or impulses that might be connected to past experiences. This isn’t about forcing anything—it’s about gently increasing awareness so your nervous system can begin to feel safer.
Processing Past Experiences and Exploring Treatment Methods
When you’re ready, we may begin processing past experiences more directly. EMDR is one way to do this, helping the brain reprocess memories so they feel less intense or stuck. Parts work can also come in here—we might explore different “parts” of you (for example, a part that protects, a part that feels hurt) and help them communicate and work together rather than against each other.
AEDP brings in a strong focus on emotions and relationships. In sessions, this might look like slowing down to fully experience and process feelings in a supportive, connected space, so that emotions that once felt overwhelming can become more manageable and even transformative.
Throughout all of this, we go at your pace. Some sessions might be more skills-based and practical; others might focus on processing emotions or memories. We check in regularly about what feels helpful and adjust as we go.
So What Does Therapy Really Look Like?
Therapy looks like a combination of:
Building coping and regulation skills
Understanding patterns in thoughts, emotions, and behaviours
Gently working with the body and nervous system
Processing past experiences when you’re ready
Strengthening your sense of self and relationships
The goal isn’t just to revisit the past—it’s to help you feel more grounded, connected, and able to live your life in the present.
I hope this helps us understand that there is no one single answer to this very important question. If you are looking for therapy in Kitchener-Waterloo or virtual therapy in Ontario, do not hesitate to reach out!
Best,
Juliana
