Realising you are struggling with mental health and psychological issues and seeking help are two very different things.
A common reason that stops people from getting professional help is misaligned and uninformed therapy expectations, acting as a barrier to a successful therapeutic relationship.
A study published in The British Journal of Psychiatry found that 5-10% of patients experience worsening symptoms post-therapy. This can be mostly felt by patients from “ethnic and sexual minorities”.
Starting therapy is a brave and important step, but it’s natural to feel unsure about what to expect in therapy. At my practice, I integrate a variety of interventions, tailored to each individual’s needs, making the process uniquely personal. The outcome of therapy is built on collaboration and trust, two very important aspects of our working relationship.
Here’s what you can expect when you visit my therapy room in London, W1.
Discovery Begins in Connection – The Relational Approach
As a relational integrative therapist, I believe that discovery begins in connection, both with yourself and with another person. The importance of a therapeutic relationship cannot be ignored as it is central to everything we do.
Therapy is not about me giving you advice or telling you what to do; it’s a partnership in which we explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences at a pace that feels right for you.
This collaborative process is rooted in mutual curiosity, openness, and mindfulness. I bring warmth, compassion, and gentle humour to our work, helping create a space where trust can grow. Through this connection, we can uncover new insights, challenge old patterns, and explore what feels most alive, uncertain, or in need of care in your life.
Building Trust and Safety
One of the biggest barriers to therapeutic relationships is the inability to trust a therapist with your most intimate thoughts, or feeling judged by your disclosures or choices.
The first step towards positive therapy expectations is to establish a strong therapeutic alliance. This relationship will be based on trust, safety, and openness. Many clients come to therapy feeling vulnerable, and it’s important to me that you feel heard, understood, and supported every step of the way. I believe that therapy is a shared journey, where your story and needs are central to the process.
To foster this trust, I bring a genuine curiosity to the way you experience the world. I listen attentively, ask thoughtful questions, and reflect back what I hear, ensuring that you feel seen and understood. This process is key to establishing a safe environment where you can begin to explore your feelings, behaviours, and life experiences.
Mindfulness and Present-Moment Awareness
One of the core tools I use to ensure the best therapy outcome is mindfulness, which involves being fully present with whatever is happening in the moment. Many clients find that, by slowing down and tuning in to their body, thoughts, and feelings, they can gain a deeper understanding of their emotional experiences.
Throughout our sessions, I will encourage you to stay engaged with your present experience, whether that’s your emotions, physical sensations, or thoughts. This approach helps you develop greater emotional awareness, which is essential in processing difficult feelings. Mindfulness also offers a powerful way to calm anxiety, manage emotional dysregulation, and stay grounded in the face of challenging emotions.
Grounding Techniques for Emotional Regulation
I often work with clients who struggle with anxiety or emotional overwhelm. To help manage these feelings, I use grounding techniques, including breathing exercises and mindfulness practices. These tools are especially important when working with trauma, as they help keep you within your “window of tolerance”, the zone where you can process emotions without becoming overwhelmed.
Breathing exercises are a simple but effective way to calm your nervous system and bring you back to the present moment. I’ll guide you through these techniques, helping you to anchor yourself when emotions start to feel too intense. We’ll explore what grounding techniques work best for you, so you can also use them between sessions as well.
Self-Compassion and Diminishing the Inner Critic
Your therapy expectations might be governed by your inner critic. It might stop you from being fully honest and vulnerable with your therapist, and prevent you from achieving complete freedom.
Many clients I work with struggle with an inner critic that amplifies their emotional distress. It can be hard to move forward when negative self-talk holds you back. To achieve a successful therapy outcome, I frequently use self-compassion interventions, which help to diminish the inner critic and foster a more nurturing relationship with yourself.
If you find it hard to be kind to yourself, I may guide you through exercises like visualising your “perfect nurturer”, someone who embodies warmth, care, and compassion. This technique helps you tap into an inner resource of kindness and care, building a stronger foundation of self-acceptance and compassion.
Reflecting on the Past and Exploring the Future
Part of my approach to therapy involves exploring your past experiences and memories, particularly if they are impacting your present emotional state. By reflecting on early experiences, core beliefs, and self-concept, we can uncover patterns that may be influencing your current behaviour and emotional responses.
In addition to exploring your past, we may also look toward your future self. Through creative techniques like journaling or guided imagery, I can help you envision the person you want to become, offering inspiration for growth and change.
What to Expect in Therapy
In our work together, I take a holistic approach that considers all aspects of your life. Emotional and psychological wellbeing are deeply connected to physical health, so we may discuss factors like sleep, nutrition, and exercise as they relate to your mental health.
If you’re taking medication, we’ll explore how it impacts your life, making sure we understand its effects and how it fits into your overall wellbeing. This holistic perspective helps ensure we address all areas of your life that may be impacting your emotional and psychological health.
Building Reflective Capacity and Habits
To meet your therapy expectations, each session will conclude with an invitation for reflection. I will encourage you to consider what we’ve explored together, how you feel about the process, and what insights or shifts you’ve experienced. This practice of reflection is an essential part of breaking the barriers to therapeutic relationships, as it allows you to integrate the work we’ve done and apply it to your daily life.
Additionally, I encourage clients to build reflective habits outside of therapy. Journaling is a useful tool that helps deepen self-awareness and creates a space for ongoing processing between sessions.
Moving Forward Together
Therapy is a journey of self-discovery, growth, and transformation. The tools and techniques I use in our work are aimed at creating a space where you can challenge old patterns, heal from past wounds, and develop healthier ways of relating to yourself and others. Every session will be tailored to your unique needs, ensuring that we are addressing the areas that matter most to you.
Get in Touch With Me, Mark Greenaway-Robbins for Positive Therapy Outcome
Therapy expectations and outcomes differ from person to person. Perhaps you’d like to gain clarity on your gender identity, resolve relationship conflict, or have assistance on overcoming past traumas. Whatever it is you’d like to resolve or work on, the success of the therapy outcome will depend on the trust and relationship you can build with your therapist.
The therapeutic relationship is of utmost importance, and working with someone you like and trust will result in the best therapy outcomes.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your therapeutic journey, I invite you to get in touch. Together, we can explore how we might work together to create the changes you desire in your life.
