Making the Decision to Start Counseling
Deciding to seek counseling can feel overwhelming and scary. There are tons of great reasons to find a mental health professional, and it’s not because “something is wrong with you.” Instead, it is a normal tool to use to learn how to cope with life and understand the past.
What you discuss in therapy is up to you; a skilled counselor will hold a non-judgmental space and invite you. Sometimes, hard things come up, and your therapist might challenge some patterns they see. The counseling office is a safe place to discuss and navigate all life’s hard and confusing bits.
The best attitude to bring to therapy is curiosity and open-mindedness. Your therapist will do the same, and together, you can start shifting your life toward your goals.
I’m Doing It! But How….
Once you’ve made the decision to start counseling, remember that it can be challenging to find the right fit and set up an appointment. Do some online research on terms and qualifications so you know what you’re reading in online profiles. Ask friends or family who may have recommendations for therapists who have helped them in the past.
The relationship you build with your therapist is more important than any technical details. The “fit” you have with your therapist must be just right. Give it a couple of sessions before you decide it’s not a good fit, and then seek someone else if needed. The most important thing is not to give up.
In addition to difficulty in the logistics, it can be hard to acknowledge the need for support. There is still plenty of stigma associated with mental health care, and it takes courage and strength to overcome those barriers.
What’s Next
You found a person; you made the appointment. Be on the lookout for emailed paperwork and confirmation reminders. Make sure to complete any necessary paperwork and payment info ahead of time. This will give you more time with your therapist and get to know one another. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or get more information on the counseling process. Therapists want to provide excellent service; the more they know and understand about you, the better they can do that. Depending on how sessions are paid for and where you go, diagnosing may be part of the process. If you are unsure, ask for more information.
Be aware that there are likely to be questions about symptoms, including suicidality and a history of abuse. These are normal for the process, not suggesting anything about you individually. Answer them honestly; your clinician will discuss options with you if there are any red flags or concerns for safety.
The First (Few) Sessions
The first couple of appointments could feel clunky as you get used to the process and build rapport. Hang in there! You will likely establish goals in the first one or two sessions. Your therapist will tell you what to expect from them, how they practice, and all the rules and your rights. This includes your right to privacy and confidentiality and what the therapist does to protect these rights.
The beginning of the therapeutic process involves more direct questioning and history-taking than subsequent sessions are likely to. The counselor is working to understand you at an individual level and build an interactive relationship with open communication and participation. Trust will build through these early sessions as history and present concerns are examined in the safe office space.
Your therapist will begin identifying patterns and potential triggers. They will provide skills, strategies, and insight to help alleviate and navigate these situations. You will be an active participant in discussing goals and engaging in therapy.
How Does It Work??
There are many types of therapeutic approaches. Some involve changing your thinking and behavior while others may involve your physical body more. Your counselor will be assessing the best match between their skills and your presenting concerns, discussing options as they unfold.
You will likely have questions about the process; ask them! Remember, your therapist is invested in your well-being: the better they know you, the more they can help. Most clinicians will ask a fair amount about your early years and experiences. This may feel irrelevant or unrelated. However, we are all a culmination of our experiences, relationships, and stories. It all matters.
It is part of the process that your edges may be pushed and that there will be difficult emotions and discomfort. The more you know and accept that, the less painful the experience will be. Remember to celebrate your victories and breakthrough moments, and have patience and self-compassion. This is not quick work.
Your job as a participant in therapy’s growth work is to participate in and out of the office actively. Do assigned exercises, and be willing to practice skills outside of the session. This serves to reinforce therapeutic concepts in daily life. Journaling can be an excellent way to track progress, reflect on change, and challenge old patterns.
You and your therapist will regularly review goals and your progress toward those goals. Treatment planning should be adjusted as needed, and shifts in circumstances and relationships should be considered. While you will undoubtedly see changes after the first few sessions, growth is not always upward. You could experience some lulls, dips, and plateaus in your progress. That is very normal! Talk with your counselor about concerns, and know it can be rocky.
Go Forth
Pay attention to all your growth! See how you navigate life differently than before, how you might be more open, curious, and content. Does your body feel lighter, and is your mood less heavy? Share your experiences with the people close to you. Encourage others to embark on their journey with an open heart and mind.
Request a consultation or call us today to start your therapy journey.
