The decision to begin therapy can be exciting, nerve-wracking, stressful, stress-relieving, and so much more. Some people walk in the door as seasoned clients who’ve experienced multiple therapists in their days, while for others, it may be their first time meeting with a therapist. No matter your situation, the following tips are helpful for anyone to know who wants to make the most out of their experience in therapy.
Regular Attendance
A key factor in gaining success in therapy is regular attendance. Maintaining contact with your therapist is incredibly important in achieving personal growth and progress. If too much time passes between appointments, it can feel like you’re playing “catch up” with your therapist instead of focusing on the main reasons that brought you to therapy.
Prepare for Your Sessions
One option that may help you feel like you’re getting the most out of your sessions is to prepare for your sessions. You may be wondering, how do I do that? You can prep for your session in several ways, including journaling, reflective thinking, or creating a list of relevant conversation topics. Depending on how you feel your sessions are going with your therapist, preparing may not always be necessary unless it helps you focus the conversation or feel more on track.
Utilize Adjunctive Resources
Many clients will report that their treatment is enhanced when they continue their own self-improvement outside of their session time. Most clients attending weekly therapy will spend 45-50 minutes with their therapist, leaving the rest of the week open to reflect, examine, and (ideally) practice the tools discussed in the last session. Moreover, many clients find that using resources (books, articles, podcasts, support groups) help complement their treatment.
Commitment to the Process
Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, if you want to experience the benefits of therapy, you should fully commit yourself to the process. Therapy is not a “quick fix” and often requires time, a financial investment, and an openness for feedback. Committing to therapy is like committing to an exercise program — you will see the benefits as long as you stick with the process and maintain the motivation to be the best version of yourself.
The tips outlined here are just a few practical suggestions to consider for your therapy process. If you’ve been thinking about getting into therapy, please feel free to reach out to us and ask any questions you may have about the therapy process and commitment. We will be happy to give you honest answers and feedback so you can decide if therapy will be the right fit for you.