What therapy is
A therapist's job is to listen carefully, form a working understanding of what's happening, and use that understanding plus a body of clinical training to help you make changes. Sessions typically run 45–55 minutes, usually weekly at first, and follow a deliberate arc: assessment, treatment plan, ongoing work, and discharge.
What therapy isn't
Therapy isn't venting to a friend, isn't life coaching, and isn't a place to receive opinions about what you should do. A therapist won't tell you whether to leave your relationship or take the job — they'll help you get clearer on what you actually want and the patterns that keep getting in the way.
Who therapy is for
Therapy is for anyone struggling with a clinical issue (depression, anxiety, trauma) and also for people who want to make a deliberate change in how they live, relate, or work. You don't have to be "sick" to go.