Once you make the decision to seek therapyโwhether to process a traumatic event, treat a specific mental illness or to improve your overall health and well-beingโyouโve taken a huge step forward toward wellness. However, itโs just the first step. Many people, unfortunately, see therapy as a sort of โmagic pillโ that should make them better almost automatically. If you approach it in that way, youโre effectively wasting an opportunity.
True success in therapy involves a cooperative effort between you and your therapist as you work together toward better mental health. It requires commitment both to yourself and to the process. Letโs discuss some practical tips that will help you gain the most benefit from your therapy experience.
Show Up for Sessions
We know it seems obvious to say this, but itโs actually surprising how many people miss or cancel their scheduled sessions with their therapist. Sometimes itโs oversight or circumstances beyond their controlโbut it can also be a means of avoidance. 80% of success is showing up as Woody Allen said. Attending therapy sessions every week is essential for therapy to work. You might be reluctant at times, especially if youโre dealing with uncomfortable issues you wish to avoidโbut those are actually the times you most need to be there. Youโll make much better headway just by making the commitment to show upโno matter what.
Bonus tip: Make sure you select a weekly session time that actually works for your specific schedule. Donโt let scheduling conflicts get in the way of your mental health.
Donโt Be Afraid to Talk in Therapy
Many people approach therapy with their internal defenses up. Thatโs natural, especially in the beginning when you and your therapist are still getting to know one another. But therapy is designed to be a safe space where you can say whatever comes to mind without fear of judgment or repercussion. Your therapist is trained not to take anything you say personally. Importantly, theyโre trained to listen for those key moments in the conversation when healing truths come to light. The sooner you are able to relax and give yourself permission to speak whatโs on your mind and how you feel, the sooner youโll start to see your therapy sessions become more productive.
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Do Your Homework
The assignments your therapist may give you to do at home are every bit as important as the sessions themselvesโand even more so. One truth many people miss is that the therapist isnโt really the healerโyou are. Therapy provides you the opportunity to work on yourself and move toward better mental health. Those off-time assignments are the catalyst for you to discover key truths about yourself, to learn better mental habits, and to practice those habits. That work is where the real healing happens. Donโt shrug it off.
Be Protective of Your Therapy
By this statement, we mean you should set some boundaries around your therapy process. While youโre going through therapy, be guarded about what you share about your sessions, and with whom. Everyone has an opinion on what you need to do, and while some close confidants may be safe enough, not everyone in your circle will have your best interests at heart. Those that have not gone to therapy themselves might not be able to understand what you are going through. Remember, this process is yours, and you have the right to keep anyone out of the process.
Finally, bear in mind that therapy is not a one-way street. Itโs a collaboration between you and your therapist. The more personal responsibility you take for improving your mental health, the more committed youโll be to the process, and the better results youโll see from your efforts. Therapy is a wonderful opportunity to know yourself better and getting out of your own way. Make the most of it!
Start Your Healing Journey Today
Our compassionate and skilled therapists at Manhattan Mental Health Counseling are ready to help you explore the depths of your emotional well-being. We prioritize easy access for our clients and accept a wide range of insurance plans.
Canโt make it into our office for in-person appointments? No problem. We are more than happy to provide online sessions in the comfort of your own home.
Contact us today by calling 212-960-8626 or by filling out our online contact form.