What to Expect in Therapy
In honor of Counseling Awareness Month, let’s talk about the therapy process! Have you ever considered going to therapy, but wondered how that would appear in the eyes of others? If so, then you are certainly not alone. In fact, many people shy away from the idea of seeking therapy, out of the fear of being evaluated or being labeled as “crazy.” It is not uncommon for us to wonder about what this process looks like in real-time. After all, many people have only been exposed to therapy by viewing how the media wants to portray the process. Picture the typical movie version of an overwhelmed person lying on a couch, while a serious clinician takes notes and asks invasive questions. Yet, this is an over-exaggerated depiction of what therapy actually looks like. In fact, therapy is quite different than this overused stereotype.
So, let’s take a closer look at what the therapy process really looks like and how to overcome any obstacles that may be in your way of seeking out the guidance that is readily available to you!
1. Sorry, you will not be lying on a couch! This is certainly a myth about the therapy process. The image of a subordinate patient/client and their authoritative therapist is very unlikely in today’s therapy sessions. Collaboration usually takes precedence and both parties function as equals in the production of a successful outcome. If you feel comfortable lying on a couch you can. However, most people don’t, especially if they are participating in telehealth services.
2. Therapy is useful for everyone! Yes, everyone can benefit from therapy at some point in their lives. It is not only for those with severe mental health issues but can be very useful as a proactive approach to handling life’s curveballs as well. It is surely a myth that everyone in therapy is “crazy” or “unable to handle themselves.” In fact, with the current movement towards self-care, therapy has become another tool for health and wellness improvement.
3. You can set the agenda. Therapy sessions are often more successful when the patient/client sets the agenda and comes to a session with areas to focus on. This may look like the patient/client telling the therapist what they would like to discuss or giving clues as to what areas they are not ready to explore.
4. There is a goal in mind! Therapists seek to guide their patients/clients towards intentional goals based on verbal reports and observed observations. Therefore, a treatment plan is usually created by the therapist based on the patient/client’s symptoms and concerns. Therapy is not random chatting, but rather purposeful explorations leading to a deeper understanding of one’s concerns and symptoms.
5. The Judgment Free Zone. No, you are not coming to therapy to be judged. You are coming to therapy to be guided toward finding a better understanding of your emotions and how to handle difficult situations. Therapists simply act as a catalyst to encourage that change.
6. Therapists have it all figured out! No, your therapist is not all-knowing, nor are they devoid of their own struggles. However, they do have the training and skills to professionally guide you to a better understanding of how to manage your issues from an objective point of view.
Therefore, deciding to seek out therapy is a personal choice that should not be frowned upon. It involves doing the work and committing to self-discovery. This is not always an easy task and often takes a lot of courage and patience. However, with the right fit between you and your therapist, it is certainly attainable. It is time to think of therapy as another tool in your toolkit towards bettering your health and not as a punishment for facing challenges. We all have challenges and asking for guidance should be seen as a sign of strength, not a sign of weakness!
Author: Vanessa LaBruzza, LAC