Going for therapy can be a life-changing experience. It’s a great step towards taking care of your mental wellbeing and overcoming issues like depression and low self-worth. However, it’s intimidating to open up to another person and talk about your issues and insecurities. This makes many people develop a negative attitude towards therapy and shy away from it. Truth is, going for therapy is not always easy and you’ll need lots of preparation and acceptance. Here are some ways you can make the most out of your therapy sessions.
- Do Your Research
Before choosing a therapist, make sure you have done your research. Keep in mind that you’ll share some of the most intimate details about yourself in the hopes of healing. Therefore, you should choose a therapist that you’ll feel the most comfortable with and one that you can trust. Whether your choice is based on race, gender, religion, or even ethnicity, they should be someone that you feel you can trust. Additionally, you can ask a potential therapist some questions to help you make your decision.
- Commit
You can’t be undecided about going for therapy and expect it to work. Just like most things, therapy works best when you’re consistent with your sessions. Additionally, your therapist may ask you to do certain exercises to help you get better. This requires your full attention. Therefore, when booking sessions, ensure that you choose the most convenient time for you. This makes it easier for you to be more consistent. However, don’t book appointments during periods when you may be tired or distracted such as lunchtime or after work.
- Bring Some Notes
Once you start your sessions, try to keep a list of things that happened throughout the week that you’ll want to talk about. Writing down what you may want to discuss or address show that you’re open to the process. It also guides the therapist on what to tackle. It will be easier for you to tell them what they need to know. Remember that therapy sessions have a time limit and if you can get to the root of the issues quickly, the better.
- Be Open To Change
One of the best ways to get the most out of your therapy sessions is to open up. Yes, it will feel uncomfortable and you may have to address issues that you never thought you would. However, once you start healing from past traumas, you’ll see the importance of being open-minded. Therapy also entails being open to new ideas and a new way of life. Therefore, being adaptable will help you be in a better mental state. 6 Ways To Deal With Pandemic Fatigue
- Do The Work
Therapy is more of a collaborative effort between you and your therapist. Therefore, you can’t sit back and expect the therapist to do all the work. You need to be active and participate in your sessions and out-of-session. Try to let down your guard and work with your therapist. For instance, if they give you “homework”, ensure that you do it and understand what you’re supposed to gain from it.
- Keep A Journal
Writing down things helps you process them easier since you put them in your own words. Additionally, it helps you let your feelings out especially if you find it difficult to talk about them. Write down any new things you learn about yourself during your therapy sessions and suggestions your therapist makes. These notes can help you analyze your sessions and apply what you learn in real life. You can also refer to the notes after you finish your therapy sessions. 6 Reasons Why You Should Consider Keeping A Daily Journal
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