How to Get the Most Out of Therapy
I may be a little biased, but I think everyone should attend therapy at some point in their lives. There’s a common misconception that it’s only for people who have something serious going on, but that couldn’t be further from the truth! Some of the most successful and driven people I know are in therapy, because they realize that the better they understand themselves (their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors), the more likely they are to achieve their goals. If you’ve been thinking about starting therapy, here are some things that will help you get the most out of the process:
Understand that finding the right therapist for you is of utmost importance. I can’t stress this enough. Do your research and don’t be afraid to reach out to several in order to find the right fit. Connection is key.
Understand that change will not happen overnight. While many of my first-time clients tell me that they feel better immediately following their first session (by just starting and getting things off their chest), lasting change will take a while to establish.
Understand that being honest with yourself and your therapist will help you get the results that you’re looking for. Be real with your therapist. If they don’t know the truth about what’s going on, time will be wasted and you may not see much change.
Understand that almost everything you tell your therapist, they have heard before. A therapist will not judge you or think you’re “crazy”, no matter what you tell them.
Understand that your therapist will not make important decisions for you. They will guide you as you explore your own wants and needs and help you come to your own conclusions.
Understand that some sessions will be HARD. And uncomfortable. And, you’ll be challenged. True healing does not come from staying in your comfort zone.
Understand that you will not have a breakthrough in every session. When you pay a personal trainer for their services, you don’t see immediate results after each workout, do you? Therapy is a process that must be viewed as a whole. Some sessions will be lighter than others, and that’s by design.