TMS Therapy Process Explained: What to Expect During Your Sessions

If you or someone you love has been struggling with depression, you may have come across TMS Therapy as a treatment option. At first, it can sound a little intimidating. After all, it’s a medical procedure, and anytime we hear about machines or magnets being used for mental health, questions naturally pop up.

The good news is that the TMS Therapy Process is actually simple, non-invasive, and straightforward. Understanding what happens during a session can ease any worries you might have and help you feel more prepared before starting treatment. At Evolve Psychiatry, we believe that healing begins when you feel comfortable, informed, and supported.

Let’s walk through the TMS Therapy Process step by step, so you know exactly what to expect during your sessions.

What is TMS Therapy?

TMS stands for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. It’s an FDA-approved treatment most commonly used for people with depression who haven’t found enough relief with medication or therapy alone.

Here’s how it works:

• A small device delivers gentle magnetic pulses to targeted areas of the brain that are involved in mood regulation.

• These pulses help “wake up” underactive brain cells and strengthen the brain’s natural pathways over time.

• Unlike medication, TMS does not circulate through your entire body, so it doesn’t cause weight gain, drowsiness, or other common side effects.

The entire process is done in-office. There are no needles, no anesthesia, and no downtime. You can go right back to your daily routine after each session.

Step 1: The First Consultation

Before beginning the TMS Therapy Process, you’ll first meet with a specialist at Evolve Psychiatry for an initial consultation. This is your time to talk openly about your symptoms, past treatments, and goals for therapy.

During this visit, you can expect:

• A full evaluation of your medical and mental health history

• A discussion about whether TMS is the right fit for you

• Clear answers to any questions you might have

This step is all about creating trust. You’re not just a patient; you’re a person looking for relief, and your story matters.

Step 2: Mapping Your Brain

Before the first treatment session, your provider will “map” your brain. This means identifying the exact area of your brain that needs stimulation.

Here’s how it’s done:

• You’ll sit comfortably in a chair.

• A small coil will be placed lightly on your head.

• The provider delivers brief magnetic pulses to find the correct spot.

• Once the area is located, the machine is calibrated to your unique needs.

This step ensures that every treatment is precise, effective, and personalized. Think of it as setting up the GPS before starting a journey—you want to know exactly where to go.

Step 3: Your First Session

Now comes the part that most people wonder about: What does a TMS session feel like?

Here’s what you can expect:

• You’ll sit in a comfortable chair, often similar to a dentist’s chair.

• The magnetic coil will rest gently against your scalp.

• When the treatment begins, you’ll hear a clicking sound and feel a tapping sensation on your head.

The tapping may feel unusual at first, but most people adjust quickly. Some even describe it as rhythmic or like someone gently drumming their fingers.

Each session usually lasts between 20 and 40 minutes. There’s no need to fast, change clothes, or prepare in any special way. Many patients read, listen to music, or simply relax during the session.

Step 4: The Treatment Schedule

The TMS Therapy Process isn’t a one-time procedure. For the best results, it’s usually done five days a week for four to six weeks.

This may sound like a lot, but each session is short, and because there’s no downtime, it can easily fit into your daily life. Many people schedule sessions before work, during a lunch break, or afterward without missing a beat.

Think of it as training your brain—just like going to the gym. Each session builds on the last, strengthening the parts of the brain that help regulate mood.

Step 5: Monitoring Progress

At Evolve Psychiatry, your journey doesn’t stop at showing up for treatment. Your provider will regularly check in with you about your mood, sleep, and daily functioning.

Some patients start to notice improvements within the first two weeks—feeling lighter, more energized, or more focused. For others, the changes are more gradual. Both are completely normal.

By tracking your progress, adjustments can be made if needed. The process is always tailored to you.

Step 6: After the Sessions

When the initial treatment course is complete, many patients feel a significant reduction in depression symptoms. Some even achieve remission, meaning their depression lifts almost entirely.

Maintenance sessions may be recommended down the line, depending on your needs. But the goal is always long-lasting relief and helping you regain control of your life.

What You Won’t Experience During TMS

One of the most reassuring parts of the TMS Therapy Process is what you won’t go through:

• No memory loss

• No systemic side effects like with medication

• No sedation or recovery time

• No disruption to your daily routine

This makes TMS especially appealing for people who have tried other treatments without success.

Tips for Making the Most of Your TMS Sessions

Here are a few ways you can make your journey smoother and more empowering:

• Stay consistent: Attending all scheduled sessions gives your brain the best chance to respond.

• Communicate: If you feel discomfort during a session, let your provider know—they can adjust the intensity.

• Take note of changes: Keep a simple journal of how you’re feeling day to day. Sometimes improvements sneak up gradually.

• Be patient with yourself: Healing is a process, not an overnight switch.

A Human Approach to Healing

At Evolve Psychiatry, we understand that depression doesn’t just affect mood—it impacts relationships, work, energy, and your overall sense of self. That’s why we approach the TMS Therapy Process with care, empathy, and respect for your journey.

Every person who sits in our chair is more than a diagnosis. You’re someone with a story, with goals, with a life worth reclaiming. TMS therapy is not just about brain stimulation; it’s about giving you space to rediscover joy, focus, and hope.

Final Thoughts

Starting something new—especially when it comes to mental health—can be nerve-wracking. But knowing what to expect during the TMS Therapy Process can make it far less intimidating.

From the first consultation to the final session, TMS is designed to be safe, comfortable, and effective. You don’t have to go through depression alone, and you don’t have to settle for treatments that don’t work for you.

If you’ve been searching for a path forward, TMS may be the fresh start you need. At Evolve Psychiatry, we’re here to walk with you every step of the way.

👉 Take the first step toward relief today—schedule your consultation with Evolve Psychiatry and learn how the TMS Therapy Process can help you reclaim your life.