How to get the most out of therapy
Deciding to go to therapy is a courageous step toward a better life. At Saint Louis Counseling, a ministry of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of St. Louis, clients rediscover inner strength, learn skills that support healing, and stop feeling alone in their struggles. This all takes effort, and you can take pride in the growth that comes from it. Here are some tips for getting the most out of your course of therapy.
Give yourself grace
Everyone struggles at times, so it’s not a shortcoming to need support from a therapist. Also, we cannot change the past; we may wish a particular event had never happened, or we may regret something we did. But to pursue a better future, we need to acknowledge that these things do not define us. Be gentle with yourself.
Be honest with yourself and your therapist
In your journey to a better life, your therapist will accompany you and offer compassion along the way. They’ll listen to what you have to say, and make recommendations based on what they hear. Honesty gives the best chance for your counselor to offer the right support for you.
Share your goals with your therapist
We go to therapy because we want things to be different. Sometimes we only know that things can’t stay the same, without knowing yet what we want them to look like. Other times, we have a clear destination in mind. Either way, tell your counselor as much as you can about the results you want from therapy. Without knowing where we’re headed, we can’t get there.
Stay open to new ways of thinking
As you work toward your goals, your counselor will offer advice and techniques to help you get there. Some of these recommendations may be unfamiliar. Keep an open mind, and trust that your therapist wants the best for you. When you hear new ideas, give them the benefit of the doubt and look for the good in them.
Don’t be surprised if it’s challenging
There may be times in therapy when you and your counselor identify a way you’ve been working against yourself. First, remember to give yourself grace. Secondly, avoid the temptation to be defensive. Yes, these moments are hard! However, this is when some of the greatest growth occurs. Take pride when you commit to new ways of living for better wellbeing.
Practice new skills and techniques
For lasting change, you’ll need to practice the skills and techniques from therapy in between appointments. You might want to write them down, or give yourself some other reminder, to avoid forgetting them. After all, it can be hard to start new habits. When you do, it feels great to start an appointment by sharing how the information from last time has been helping.
Going to therapy is a brave choice, one that will lead to greater wellbeing. The compassionate professional therapists of Saint Louis Counseling are ready to go on this journey with you.
Saint Louis Counseling: Caring for the Mind through Healing, Help, and Hope