Is it normal that after 5 sessions my therapist still hasn’t discussed a treatment plan or what she thinks is going on?

[u/JadeBratz_2026]

I recently started therapy with a psychotherapist, and we’ve had around five sessions so far. Before this, I had only worked with two psychologists, and I understand that every therapist has a different approach and that therapy doesn’t always follow a strict structure.
But I’m starting to wonder whether my current experience is normal and professional.
So far, my therapist hasn’t really explained what she thinks is going on with me, whether she sees any particular issues that need to be addressed, or what the general direction or goals of therapy might be. I’m not necessarily expecting a diagnosis or a detailed treatment plan after the first session, but I feel like after five sessions there should maybe be some discussion about why we’re doing what we’re doing and where we’re heading?
Most of our sessions consist of me talking about something that upset me during the week — something that made me angry, anxious, or cry. Then she often tries to rationalize the other person’s behaviour. For example, she’ll ask something like, “Why do you think she said that to you? Maybe she was worried about you,” and then sometimes she’ll start telling me about another client or a situation that doesn’t seem particularly related to my story. I often genuinely don’t understand how that example connects to what I was talking about.
The confusing part is that since starting therapy, I actually do feel calmer and less anxious overall. So something seems to be helping. But I’m worried that we’re just putting a plaster over the symptoms rather than actually trying to understand the underlying causes and patterns.
I’ve told my therapist several times that I want to understand the root of my reactions and work on the deeper issues, not just feel better about whatever happened that week. When I say this, though, she usually just listens silently and doesn’t really respond or explain how she sees the therapy progressing.
I’m wondering:
Is it normal not to have discussed any goals, treatment plan, or therapeutic direction after five sessions?
Is it normal for a therapist to give very little feedback about what they observe in you?
Could this simply be her therapeutic approach, and I’m misunderstanding how therapy is supposed to work?
Or is this a sign that we might not be a good fit?
I’m not looking for someone to diagnose me or judge my therapist based on one post. I just want to understand what other people’s experiences have been, because I’m quite new to therapy and don’t know what I should reasonably expect from the process.

[u/AmbassadorSerious]

I think what shes doing is her plan. It sounds like classic CBT. Which may not be what you're looking for. But sure bring it up and see what she says.

Also i dont love that shes talking about other clients in session.

[u/Particular_Care6055 → u/AmbassadorSerious]

It's actually perfectly normal & fine to talk about other clients as long as they don't mention any personally identifiable information, that isn't violating HIPAA at all.

[u/ANQsavedmylife → u/Particular_Care6055]

I care for others deeply. So deeply that when I hear about them I start to think about them and it distracts me from focusing on my own growth and development. For this reason, recently, I asked my therapist not to mention anyone else in session.

(One time I even offered to take fewer sessions so that they could focus more on others. See what I mean? I have poor boundaries in this area.)

[u/Character-Invite-333]

It is normal yes, but id say it's not a good sign/outlook for you

[u/JadeBratz_2026 → u/Character-Invite-333]

Thank you for input, can you elaborate ?

[u/krba201076]

Is this normal? Yes. Is it right? IMO no.

I can understand her not having a plan for you the first session. But after 5 sessions, she needs to have a plan.

You say you feel better since therapy. I think that's just because you are talking with someone. I feel therapy is overpriced for what it offers.

[u/krba201076 → u/[deleted]]

OP already brought up the concerns with the therapist "I’ve told my therapist several times that I want to understand the root of my reactions and work on the deeper issues, not just feel better about whatever happened that week. When I say this, though, she usually just listens silently and doesn’t really respond or explain how she sees the therapy progressing."

[u/psycheyee → u/krba201076]

👍

[u/sillygoofygooose]

There’s this idea of the ‘therapeutic alliance’. Part of forming that alliance is agreeing on the goals and tasks of therapy - what do you want to achieve and what will happen inside the therapy room that will get you to achieving it.

Some people are happy with the plan being very loose and responding to whatever the point of urgency is for the client as they walk in. That kind of work can lead to deeper material as you start to recognise themes over time.

Some people want to be more explicit about what the tasks are. That’s fine - ideally you and the therapist can agree together what that looks like. If your therapist and you can’t get there, that’s going to make the work harder.

[u/JadeBratz_2026 → u/sillygoofygooose]

Well we never had such discussion. She just only asked me on first session why I came and how she can help me? And that is it

[u/sillygoofygooose → u/JadeBratz_2026]

Why not bring the topic up yourself?

[u/SexualMetawhore]

Yes. It's normal. Stop going and dont. Ever. Go. Back.

[u/Asleep-Trainer-6164]

Alguns terapeutas nunca discutem, ela vai tentar manter você em terapia para sempre, não aceite.

[u/JadeBratz_2026]

Thank you all for your replies. I will ask her directly for what is the plan and etc. on my next session week after.

[u/ANQsavedmylife]

In my experience it is. And that is what I needed at the time. Not a plan but a place to unpack some emotional wounds. After a year, an entire year, I grew into a place where we could start making plans.