3 Tips for Helping Your Therapist Help You
You are brave for deciding to seek therapy to better yourself. But, as proud as you should be for prioritizing your mental health, there is more work in store to make your therapy journey as effective and healing as possible. Do not just show up to the session, pay your co-pay, and expect your therapist to handle the rest. Your mental health and wellness rely on the work you put into the therapy process. Follow these tips for getting the most from therapy and helping your therapist help you.
Choose your provider carefully
Reaching out for help is huge. But never settle for a provider down the street based on convenience alone. For the most successful experience possible, you will need to find a therapist successful at addressing your concerns. Look for a provider who specializes in the problem you are dealing with. For example, if you are struggling to cope with the loss of a loved one, a grief counselor would be most equipped for helping you heal. On the other hand, if you have a drug problem you are trying to overcome, an addiction counselor will be a great fit.
There are also many different approaches to choose from, including holistic therapy, integrative therapy, humanistic therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy. Do some research to know which strategies might be beneficial for you. Research local providers and make a shortlist of those you are interested in. Then, schedule a call to see if you think they are a good fit. Ask any questions you have and see if they inspire you to schedule your first session.
Unless you find serious red flags during your first session, give it a few visits before deciding whether things are working or not. Sometimes the process alone causes anxiety and apprehension, especially the first time. If things do not work out, pay attention to the qualities that worked for you and those that didn't and apply them to find a new provider.
Schedule sessions strategically
It can be exhausting to be vulnerable. And therapy requires hard work to expose your inner workings and unveil challenging aspects of your life when working to improve your situation and mental health. Schedule your sessions at a time when you are likely to have the mental space to be present and open with your provider. This may not be after a long exhausting day at the office.
Say what you need to say
You can say that disturbing thing. You are not alone if you have difficulty opening up about habits that make you feel ashamed, negative emotions, and past trauma. But talking about these issues is critical to get the most from your therapy sessions. In addition, it is an excellent strategy to talk about things you are hesitant to discuss. There is nothing too taboo, embarrassing, or shameful to discuss in therapy sessions.
