"I'm starting therapy, and I don't know what to expect!" is the most common concern for those new to the therapy process in Orlando. Along with the questions,
- How do I know this is the right therapist for me?
- How long will it be before I see results?
- How can I be the best client?
We are here to ground you and remind you that there is no single way to do therapy. Just like you, therapists are all individuals with fundamental training in the field who blend their interests, training, and life experiences while coaching you through yours. However, there are things to do or look for in your sessions that can indicate your ability to improve with the therapist.
- Connection with your therapist: the first session is always a bit uncomfortable, but if you feel related to, understood by the therapist, and most importantly heard, that is a great indicator. Typically, after the first session, you can assess just how comfortable you are with the therapist and decide from there.
- Preparation: our biggest feedback for those new to therapy is to jot down the main topics in which you'd like to discuss or your main goals for starting therapy. It is very easy to walk in and forget the important things going on! We as therapists in Orlando have our own training on how to initiate sessions with questions, but we love to see clients come in with content and feedback from the get-go.
- Follow through: some of the feedback we as therapists provide might be things you've heard of like journaling or meditating, actual homework sheets, reading, etc., but the best thing YOU can do is make an attempt at these things. It is important to do them, as well as understand why they might not work for you, or what the blockage is in your healing. Some tasks are definitely harder than others, but the therapist can only work as hard as the client does!
- Set fair expectations: therapy is a very individualized process, not everyone's relief comes at the same time. Not every therapist's pace is the same. Something we at Orlando Thrive Therapy like to share is that you have equal involvement in your care. Ask questions, express concerns, and set specific goals to monitor, that way we can find the proper therapy type and concepts that need to be addressed.
All in all, there is no perfect client, per se. A client that shows up, attempts the work, and is open and communicative finds the most success in therapy. Talk to those around you about their therapy experiences, or feel free to give us a call today to better understand our therapy process and a therapist that would best fit your needs. Don't just survive, when you can Thrive!
