Welcome to therapy!
Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned pro, there are things you can do to get the results that you are hoping for from counseling. Follow these four (relatively) easy tips to get the most out of therapy.
First and foremost, be honest. Be as honest as you can bear to be. Being authentic feels vulnerable, and that’s okay! Your therapist will guide you toward comfort with the process. The more honest you can be, both with yourself and with your therapist, the more you’re going to like the results
Second, give your therapist feedback. Maybe she said something that you found offensive. Maybe he does something that makes you anxious but he doesn’t notice. Tell your therapist. We need your feedback so that we can be a better support for you. Again, this may feel very uncomfortable to do. Just know that we truly want your feedback. Help us help you!
Third, do your homework. Many people come to therapy to “get fixed.” In all reality, there’s nothing wrong with you. You’re not broken. You likely just need some support and some skills to grow into that person that you’ve always wanted to be. That being said though, there are likely to be things you discover to be worth changing. Make those changes. Try the coping skills. Follow through on the plans formulated in session. Be brave and trust that your therapist has your best interest in mind. Bear in mind, therapy is usually only one hour per week. That simply isn’t enough time to create long-lasting significant change without some additional work on your part. So do your homework.
Finally, be consistent. Attend your therapy sessions as frequently as is recommended during your first session. For most people, this is one session per week. When people stop prioritizing their sessions and start skipping, their progress grinds to a halt. If there’s a reason that’s interfering with your regular attendance, discuss this with your therapist. Otherwise, keep showing up!
That’s all! Four simple tips for you to follow to help you get the most out of therapy. So in summary, I recommend that you be honest, give your therapist feedback, do your homework, and be consistent. You have the potential to make big things happen for yourself so long as you follow these four simple tips.
