What to Know Before Starting Therapy
Starting therapy can be uncomfortable and nerve-wracking, but these feelings are normal. When you know that you have to step out of your comfort-zone, this can make you feel uneasy. If you prepare yourself before therapy begins, you may have an easier time adjusting to this new experience. Here are some things you should know before starting therapy.
1. Arrive Early – Arriving early allows you to gather your thoughts before starting your hour-long session. If you give yourself even 10 minutes to breathe before the session starts, you may have a more comfortable session.
2. Integrate Therapy into Your Life – Between each session, reflect on what areas of your life you’d like to explore with your therapist. This self-reflection can make your session more productive by addressing specific areas of your life.
3. Write Stuff Down – Whether it be thoughts, feelings, or dreams, writing these things down in a journal can help you keep track of what you want to address to your therapist. It may be helpful to bring this journal with you to your sessions as a reference.
4. Be Open – Keep in mind that you can ask your therapist whatever you want, it is up to them to explain their boundaries. If you have comments, questions, or concerns during the session, you should address them. You may learn more about yourself in the process if you are more open.
5. Put in the Work – Therapy is not a one-sided job, it takes both the therapist and the patient to put in the work to have a major positive impact on your life.
Life is what you make of it, and that can also be applied to therapy. If you put enough effort into your therapy sessions, then you will have a good outcome. Be open-minded to this new journey and let it change your life for the better.