What to expect from therapy/counselling.
If you’ve decided to seek therapy (or counselling) then well done. It can be a great way to improve your mental health and well-being and is nothing to be ashamed of. All of the Balanced People staff have undertaken counselling at one stage. However, it can be scary not knowing what will happen. Here are some basic guidelines for you.
What happens in therapy?
What happens in therapy will vary depending on the type of therapy you are receiving and the specific issues you are working on. However, in general, therapy sessions involve talking to your therapist about your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Your therapist will listen to you and help you to understand your problems. They may also teach you coping skills and strategies for making changes in your life.
How long does therapy last?
The length of therapy will also vary depending on your individual needs. Some people may benefit from short-term therapy, which can last for a few weeks or months. Others may benefit from long-term therapy, which can last for years.
What to expect from your first therapy session.
Your first therapy session will likely involve getting to know your therapist and discussing your reasons for seeking therapy. Setting expectations and starting to build trust. Your therapist should tell you:
- their background and qualifications
- their confidentiality policy
- the types of therapy they provide and how it could help you
- how many sessions they can offer
- whether there is a review after a certain number of sessions, or is it open ended
- what to do if a session is missed
- fees and payment terms
Your therapist will ask you questions about your background, your current problems, your goals for therapy and any concerns you have about the process. You may also be asked to complete a questionnaire or assessment.
Questions to ask yourself after the first session:
- Do you feel that you could develop a professional trusting relationship with your therapist?
- Are you comfortable with the logistics of the sessions – time, location, environment?
- Are you willing and able to commit to the sessions?
- Are you prepared to step out of your comfort zone and also work on homework?
If the answer to any of these questions is ‘No’, it might be better for you to look for a different therapist, investigate a different form of therapy or consider a way that is more suitable to you e.g. online or Balanced People type support.
How to get the most out of therapy.
Here are some tips for getting the most out of therapy:
- Be honest with your therapist: You won’t be expected to talk about anything you’re not comfortable with, particularly straight away. However, it is important to be honest with your therapist about your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. This will help them to understand your problems and to develop an effective treatment plan.
- Be open to change: Therapy is a process of change. It is important to be open to trying new things and to stepping outside of your comfort zone.
- Do your homework: Your therapist may give you homework assignments to complete between sessions. These assignments can help you to learn new skills and to make progress in therapy.
- Be patient: It takes time to see results from therapy. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results immediately. Just keep working with your therapist and you will eventually see progress.
If you are considering therapy, I encourage you to take the first step and schedule an appointment with a mental health professional. Therapy can be a life-changing experience.