How to get the most out of Therapy
Therapy is an investment in time, finances, and energy. Sounds like a lot of work, right? Well, yes, it’s a lot of work but it’s really worth it. Think about it: your mental health impacts all aspects of your life; your job, family, relationships, friendships, self-esteem, thoughts, beliefs, limitations, decision making, your past, your present, your future. The list is endless! Your mental health is easily the most impactful and most important investments you can make in your life. Let’s discuss some guidelines for sessions to optimize your investment:
Frequency of sessions: Regular weekly attendance is crucial to establish a consistent therapeutic relationship and maintain momentum in the treatment process, particularly in the beginning. Over time, you may discuss with your therapist when it is recommended to decrease frequency while maintaining therapeutic gains.
Frequency of sessions: Regular weekly attendance is crucial to establish a consistent therapeutic relationship and maintain momentum in the treatment process, particularly in the beginning. Over time, you may discuss with your therapist when it is recommended to decrease frequency while maintaining therapeutic gains.
Active participation and communication: Be open and honest about your thoughts, emotions, and experiences during therapy sessions. Effective therapy requires sharing personal information and being willing to explore difficult topics. Share your thoughts and concerns about the therapy process. If something isn't working or feels uncomfortable, communicate this to your therapist. Constructive feedback helps them understand your needs better and adjust the approach if necessary. Goal setting and follow through is also important to track progress and making sure the work you are doing together is meaningful.
Self-reflection and preparation: Take time to reflect on the discussions, insights, and homework assignments from previous sessions. This can help you gain a deeper understanding of yourself and make connections between different experiences. Before each session, think about what you want to discuss, any specific issues or questions you have, and what you hope to achieve. This allows you to make the most of the session's time and ensures you address the topics that are most important to you.
The work outside of session: You might spend an hour in session weekly, but the work should continue outside of session. Complete any homework assignments, exercises, and practice coping strategies between sessions. However, don’t worry if you aren’t able to complete assignments, sometimes the best awareness’s come from understanding what doesn’t work and barriers that realistically get in the way.
Patience and commitment: Therapy is a process that takes time and effort. Progress may not be immediate, and setbacks can occur. Be patient with yourself and the therapeutic process.
Each therapy journey is unique and finding the right fit may take some time. Don't hesitate to explore different therapeutic approaches or therapists if you feel it's necessary. The most important factor is finding a therapist-client relationship that fosters understanding, trust and collaboration.
DISCLAIMER: This blog and website it to be used for information only and to not intended to diagnose, treat or prevent any illness or condition. Individuals who read this content must take responsibility for their own health and wellness.
