Talking to a stranger about our innermost thoughts certainly isn’t easy. If you’re thinking of attending therapy (or have recently started), it’s normal to feel anxious and vulnerable. Unfortunately, the longer you hold back, the harder it will be to achieve your goals.
If you’re struggling to communicate, there are ways to make the process easier. As soon as you begin to feel safe and secure, you can get the most out of each of your sessions.
Still not sure where to begin? We sat down with Alyssa Scolari from See You Through It Counselling who provided us with the following tips that will help you feel more comfortable and open during therapy:
Choose the right therapist.
The first step in feeling comfortable during therapy is to find the right therapist. A professional that understands your needs will make it easier for you to establish a trusting relationship.
Schedule a consultation before you commit so that you get a better feel for their approach. You’ll also need to be certain that their schedule aligns with yours.
If you find it difficult to attend, you might benefit from different types of appointments like telehealth sessions via your phone or your computer.
Set realistic goals.
Before you even begin therapy, remember to set realistic expectations. You’re not going to walk out of your first appointment and have all of your issues resolved! It will take time, dedication, and patience.
Your therapist will guide you through creating achievable goals. This will give you a sense of gratification and motivate you to continue pushing forward.
Be honest and transparent.
As challenging as it may be, it’s essential that you are truthful during the entire process. Holding back essential details or “sugar-coating” things won’t help you in the long run.
Remember, your therapist is there to help – not to judge. Once you’ve built up that courage each and every conversation will be more productive.
Practice self-care and mindfulness.
Self-care and mindfulness techniques can help you concentrate, boost your mood, and lower anxiety levels. If you find that you can’t stay focused during sessions, take a moment to breathe and reset.
Before your appointment, you should also try and do something you enjoy. Whether it be reading a chapter of your new book or eating a delicious meal, it can help you relax and unwind.
Maintain a positive outlook.
Finally, don’t forget to keep an open mind and positive outlook during this experience. You’re doing a great thing and you deserve to celebrate any victories along the way.
If you don’t feel like any progress is being made, bring up your concerns. Together you can come up with practical solutions.
Final Words
Therapy will always come with ups and downs, but the journey can be incredibly empowering once you feel more comfortable and open. By following the tips above, you’ll soon see results that will help you in all aspects of your life.
All of your hard work will be worth it in the end. You just need to remain committed!
