How to Get The Most Out of Therapy
Therapy is an excellent idea for anyone struggling with mood disorders or going through a tough time. Of course, therapy isn't a miracle cure. You have to put in a lot of work into your therapy sessions before you start to see big improvements in your mood and attitude. Check out these three tips to get the most out of your therapy.
Choose the Correct Therapist
Finding a therapist isn't as easy as picking a name out of a book. Your insurance carrier may even require you to go to a specific list of therapists, or they may only refer to specific therapists. Even if your list is small, however, you must look around before you find the right therapist for you. For starters, choose someone who specializes in your concerns, such as depression, relationship problems, sexual disorders, etc. There are other factors to consider, such as age, gender, etc. Once you have a few therapists in mind, meet them. Have a session with them to see if you mesh. If you can't feel comfortable with your therapist, you may not get the treatment you deserve.
Be Honest and Open
It's incredibly easy to lie to your therapist because you may be telling them things you've only thought. It's easy to fear they will judge you. However, if your therapist judge you and makes you feel bad for speaking your mind, they are not a good therapist. You need to be able to tell them everything honestly. Keep in mind that they cannot tell anyone about your discussions. Even if it is about a spouse or family member. However, if anything you say involves hurting yourself/someone else or if you know of an elderly person or child being abused, they must report it to the police.
Focus on Therapy Outside the Office, Too
Another common problem is people assume their therapy ends when they leave. However, an hour a week isn't going to fix the problem. You need to apply your therapy to the rest of your life. For example, if your sessions revealed you don't take many risks, try taking risks at work, home or in your social life. A good idea is to bring a journal with you to therapy, so you can take any notes you'll want to remember later. It's also a good idea to write anything important you want to discuss with your therapist, such as how you are feeling about a certain event.
Going to a therapist is a great idea for anyone who wants to improve themselves or their mood. If you would like more information regarding therapy and how you can benefit, contact a therapist such as Donald McEachran, PHD to see if they are a right fit for you.
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