So you’re thinking about therapy...
Maybe this is your first time considering therapy. Someone said something directly or indirectly and now you’re here trying to gather more information. Maybe you’ve tried it before, but your therapist wasn’t a good fit or it wasn’t what you expected.
Starting therapy can be intimidating. As you begin this journey, I want to offer you some encouragement and insight. Here are the top 5 things I want you to know about therapy:
Therapy is a hard, brave choice. That nervous feeling you’re feeling? That’s so appropriate. It’s nerve-wracking walking into a room with someone you don’t know and sharing the vulnerable bits of your life. You want this to go well and you want to feel better and you want to be understood. It can also be anxiety provoking, because you’re not sure what you’re walking into.
Consider the first session a meet and greet. The first session is a way for you and the therapist to get to know each other and see if it’s a good fit. You’ll likely discuss what brings you to therapy, a little about your background, and family history. Not every therapist is a good fit and that’s ok. I always encourage clients to advocate for what they need. Sometimes it takes a few sessions to build trust and get in the groove, but if you have a sense right away that this is not YOUR therapist, it’s okay to recognize that.
You don’t have to know what you’re looking for. If you don’t really know what you’re looking for in therapy, that’s okay. The therapist and you will work together to explore the areas in your life that are and aren’t working.
Therapy is for everyone. Sometimes there’s this idea that we have to really be suffering or be “crazy” to seek out therapy. While people seek out therapy for lots of different reasons, it’s perfectly normal to participate in therapy for life betterment. Maybe you’ve noticed some communication patterns you want to change or a certain shame thought keeps popping up. These are great reasons to come to therapy. I wish more people would seek it out.
Therapy is an investment in yourself, your relationships, and your future. The work you’re doing now is a step toward the life that you want. You have a chance to stop family patterns and chance unhelpful behaviors. The work you do now to better understand and cope with your emotional health can ripple out into all areas of your life.
If you have questions or need an extra boost of encouragement, I offer a FREE 15 minute phone consultation. Call my office at 616-900-9600 and I would be happy to speak with you. Or complete the electronic form here.