If you are new to psychotherapy and counselling, here are somethings that may help you get started :
1. YOU LEAD THE WAY:
- It is down to you to bring what ever you want to talk about in your session. Imagine it like this – you are on a journey and you need a guide. I am there to follow you and point things out, but you decide where you want to go. I will not lead the way.
2. IT IS NOT A “QUICK FIX”:
- This is such an important point! There is no magic pill, or formula, that will make your issues instantly go away. Most clients have had problems for many years, some even from childhood, so it may take time to uncover and work though the issues.
3. YOU WILL ONLY GET OUT OF IT WHAT YOU PUT IN:
- You can’t be passive in therapy if you want to get through the problem. Also, you can’t rely on me to do most of the work for you. Try and look at it like this: when you first go to the gym, your muscles hurt. If you give up, there is no change. But, if you persevere through the pain, you grow and feel healthier. The same is for psychotherapy and counselling – the more you put in, the more you get out of it.
4. IT IS AN INVESTMENT IN YOURSELF:
- We would all love free therapy. Some may have insurance and can access it through their benefits. But most of us have to pay for this service. When I was in therapy, I saw it as an investment in myself. I wanted to heal and grow, and be the best psychotherapist I could be. I was worth it, and I hope you can think of yourself this way.
5. THE THERAPEUTIC RELATIONSHIP IS IMPORTANT:
- You are telling this person the most intimate details of your life. Make sure they are the right person for you. We won’t take it personally if you need to see someone else. Most of us want the best for you.
6. THINGS MAY GET WORSE BEFORE THEY GET BETTER:
- I liken it to cleaning out a wound, but there is no pain killer to numb the pain; it hurts, but you are on the way to healing.
7. BE HONEST:
- This is so important. We are not here to judge you, but to help you with your life. It can be difficult to face the truth, but this is the path to healing and working through your issues.
© Debbie Charles, 2015.