How can I make the most of my therapy sessions?
I have been helping people overcome their struggles for more than 20 years. My approach is guided by a combination of my experience and your personal needs. By combining the two we will ensure you get the most out of your sessions.
TIP #1 - Meet your therapist first
Talk to your therapist first. Get to know them a little before your treatment (eg when you book your first appointment) - it might save you the time (and money) wondering if you're going to be the right fit.
TIP #2 Be willing!
A willingness may be needed to go to unexplored territory, and a willingness to allow yourself to feel discomfort (ie feelings that have been blocked for a long time). For change to happen one needs to leave their comfort zone.
Note however, there's a great difference between experiencing a little discomfort and being re-traumatised. It's important for the therapist to ensure that clients do not go past their discomfort zone into a trauma zone - as it is counter-productive to treatment.
TIP #3 - Practice, practice, practice!
Ensure you put into practice (in the outside world) what you learn in the sessions. This will ensure to concretise, make effective, and make the most of your pennies spent!
"What fires, hardwires"
TIP #4 - Communicate
Make sure you communicate with your therapist when you feel any uncertainties about your sessions. It will make your sessions much more real, truthful and 'in the now' - helping you to practice your boundaries and develop a level of trust with your therapist.
A great deal of healing often comes from the relationship between the client and the therapist where you get to experience a healthy relationship, first-hand. The sessions themselves are your opportunity to practice with your training-wheels on, in a safe environment to speak up where you can experience validation, being heard and respected.
TIP #5 - Have support around you
Sometimes when uncovering the things that you've covered up for a long time, you may feel wobbly. During this time, it's important that you have support around you, particularly people you trust; and those who understand you.
It is through processing the difficult patches that you will begin seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.
TIP #6 - If you feel you're telling your therapist too much, you probably are!
I'll say that again: if you feel that you're telling your counsellor/therapist too much, you probably are (or have done). Note: this is an entire blog-worthy piece right here.
It does not mean that the counsellor/therapist is not able to withstand whatever you tell them. This is far from the truth. It's the feeling of 'overexposure' (overstepping an internal boundary) that is important to prevent, as this can feel traumatising at times. A good therapist checks in and monitors to prevent overexposure throughout their sessions.
Therefore, trust this feeling and don't tell them. It's really important that you don't violate your own boundary by oversharing within your counselling session. There's a misconception that when you go to counselling you have to bear all. Well, it's not quite the truth, It's really important that you share only what you feel comfortable with, and let the psychologist / counsellor/ therapist work with you to uncover things safely.
TIP #7 - If you feel wobbly...
If you feel wobbly (eg having suicidal thoughts or other thoughts of self-harm) after you've left a session, it is important to make sure you speak with your psychologist/counsellor/psychotherapist about this; ensuring you have a support plan in place for outside the sessions. This may involve calling support lines (Lifeline, 1800Respect, 000, MH Crisis)
TIP #8 - Don't give up
And lastly, don't give up without some consideration. It's often when it seems you're experiencing the most difficult of times when breakthroughs can happen. Sometimes things get worse before they get better.
If you follow these tips, you will likely have successful treatment, get value for money and have a great, trusting relationship with your therapist.
Call Trin on 0404 506 507, or contact her on info @ life inspired.com.au for more details.