Making the decision to seek therapy can be a difficult process. There are important things to consider and not every therapist is the same or a good fit. Finding the right therapist makes all the difference in the world.
Therapy is about going inward while having a guide ushering you through the process and holding your hand.
“It is essential to find a therapist with whom you feel comfortable and open.”
IS THIS YOUR FIRST TIME SEEKING THERAPY
If this is the first time you are thinking about going to therapy, it can be a difficult call to make. It is essential to find a therapist with whom you feel comfortable and open. The most important determinant in the success of marriage and family therapy is the fit between the therapist and the client. If you feel comfortable enough to open up and be your authentic self with me then you will learn more about who you are and who you want to be in this life. You will feel free to make different behavioral choices because after working together for a while, you will actually experience life events differently. Attitudes will shift as you begin to see other possibilities, ways of making new meanings of familiar thoughts, feelings and events.
If you think therapy’s not for you, you’re probably right. If you’re determined that it isn’t going to work, odds are it won’t. More often than not to make the decision to work with a therapist is a major decision to make; to open yourself up to another person and be willing to entertain the idea that maybe there’s another way to do things, or look at things.
WHAT’S THE POINT OF THERAPY
People usually seek therapy when something’s not working. Something doesn’t feel right. They’re either very sad, frustrated, angry, or they’re doing something that’s not working for them and can’t see an alternate way of doing it.
Life could be thought of as a journey with many challenges, twists, turns, and peak experiences. Therapy is a personal investment we make in our self. It can be a part of our life journey where we get to know our self, understand our self and others, and find the true meaning and purpose of our life. It can afford a person an opportunity to outgrow insecurities, discover his or her strengths, and become the best person you can possibly be and have satisfying relationships.
Therapy is not advice giving. It’s a collaborative process between a therapist and a client. It’s about creating a shift that’s different. It’s a different way of doing something. It’s not typically a quick process and it’s not typically a fast fix. Nothing magic happens here.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Clients frequently feel some relief (however small) immediately after their first session. Expressing your thoughts and feelings freely can bring clarity to a seemingly intractable problem that's been spinning around in your head. And really being listened to can be a powerful and life-changing experience. It can trigger deep emotions and insight into the cause of the problem as well as potential solutions.