Getting The Most Out of Therapy

Therapy offers you the opportunity to work through challenging issues by promoting self-esteem, relationships, and outlook on life through self-awareness and self-exploration. Choosing to work with a therapist is spirited and will supply you with many options for handling your problems.

If issues from the past are not dealt with, they can linger, fester, and adversely impact your day-to-day life. Overcoming past trauma is not always easy, but it’s something that you can do when you work with a therapist. 

More...

Your mental health is worth seeking professional services, and if you want to make the most of your therapy, employ the following nine tips.

1. Pick a Therapist that Is the Right Fit

It’s a good idea not to choose someone purely because of convenience to work or home—instead, research therapists based on their field and therapy approach. When working with a therapist, it’s essential to find one that you feel comfortable trusting and confiding in. Then attend two to three sessions with the one you decide before determining if they are the right fit for your needs.

2. Take Care of the Business Side of Your Session First

Before you begin your first session, be sure to take care of insurance items. It’s a good practice to handle any administrative items before each session, and you may be less like to remember them after your session when you may be emotional.

3. Embrace Homework Outside of Sessions

You won’t make progress quickly if you do not implement tools and strategies from your sessions. Instead, take what your therapist has given you and use it throughout your day-to-day life. Make notes about how things went and share them during your next session. If you are not sure what to do, ask.  

4. Decide How Much You Want to Share with Others

You may be tempted to share all the details of your sessions with your family and friends, and doing so opens you up to the opinions of others that may not be beneficial. Therapy is a safe place, and don’t let others threaten that safety.

5. Work Together to Establish Goals for Progress

Do you want to get better? What does that look like? Work with your therapist to establish what you hope to accomplish with your overall therapy and break those down into smaller goals. You will then be able to see the progress, which will bolster your confidence and aid you in building constructive habits.

6. Be Honest with Your Therapist

Therapy is to aid you in working through a problem or relationship issue. That means you need to be open and honest with your therapist. Share your emotions. Know that it is okay to get furious or cry. Be authentic so that you can get the most help possible.

7. Keep Your Appointments

Healing begins with the first session and continues when you show up. Your wellbeing should take priority, so do everything in your power to keep your therapy appointments.   

8. Know-How to check in with Your Therapist Between Sessions

You may struggle with implementing strategies in between therapy sessions and become overwhelmed. Please discuss with your therapist the process for contacting them during these times to get the additional support you may need.

9. Be Patient with Your Progress

Therapy is not a direct route from A to B, and you may take two steps forward only to take three steps back, and that’s okay. Learn to be patient through the process and keep the lines of communication with your therapist open.

3-Step action Plan

1. Think about what you would like to get out of therapy and write them down. Maybe you want to overcome your panic attacks or work through grief. Use these revelations to start your search for a therapist.

2. Research therapists in your area that specialize in the type of therapy you believe you need. Remember, it isn’t about choosing someone because of convenience. It’s about finding the right fit.

3. Schedule a consultation with a therapist if you are looking for one. If you have stopped therapy but now feel you require help, schedule an appointment and show up.

Further Reading

    Tony

  • […] find a group, speak with your therapist to see if any are available in the area you live. You may need to dig to make sure the group you […]

  • […] Building a support system is an important part of taking control of your mental health. It can provide you with the comfort of knowing that you are not alone in your struggles, and that you have people around you that are willing to help. Take the time to identify who is available to you and find the right type of support for you. […]

  • >