Unlocking Therapy's Benefits: Tips for Getting Started
“What you are to be, you are now becoming.” ~Carl Rogers
Are you considering starting therapy for the first time? Maybe it’s been a while and you’ve been considering getting started again.
You possibly could have a family member, friend, or partner that has been contemplating moving forward with their own journey.
People often wonder how they can get the most out of therapy, or feel prepared for this unique experience.
Keep reading for 3 tips that will help you to feel more prepared before your first session, and for optimizing your time in therapy.
I also have a guide with many more tips and other information, broken down into 3 posts, about getting started with therapy. You can read them by clicking the links below:
Getting Started with Therapy Part 1
3 Tips for Getting Started with Therapy:
Take it Seriously
Give therapy a fair shot!
I have known people who treat their sessions as if it’s a joke, or who walk into an appointment on the defense, prepared to dismiss everything the therapist has to say.
I think that not taking therapy seriously can come from a fear of trying something new.
It can also be an attitude of self-defeat; giving up before you’ve even started.
Consider this: how effective can it really be if you go into your sessions with no intent on being honest about the real issues, forgetting all about what was discussed in your session once it has ended, or not trying what your therapist is recommending?
Stay Curious
Be ready to learn!
Be prepared to look at things differently than from what you are currently.
Question everything (even the therapist, don’t be afraid to ask questions)!
Try to do research in between sessions. Really see if things are making sense for you.
Consider the idea that it may not be everyone else, but you.
Or, that people that you respect or trust may have contributed to what you’re experiencing.
Maybe it’s your lifestyle, or your job, or your environment.
Realize that anything is possible, and the more willing you are to consider every possibility, the more success you will have with processing things.
Be Open to Change
It is highly unlikely that when you start therapy that there won’t be at least ONE THING in your life that you will have to change.
You may need to stop doing something, or start doing something, or change the way you think about something.
You might even have to change your relationships with certain people, or not associate with others at all anymore.
It will ultimately be up to you; however, being aware of this before starting therapy is important. Change to the uncomfortable and/or distressing symptoms you are experiencing will usually cost the price of you needing to change other things first. Also, this might include trying medication.
I hope this has been helpful!
As Always, Be Well!
~Jessica
