What to Expect...

What should I expect from therapy?

Many of us enter therapy hoping to get some quick relief from the distress we are experiencing. We are aware that therapy is costing us a lot in  terms of time, money, and energy and we want to see immediate results, especially when we are in pain. It is important that you speak with your therapist about your expectations and need for therapy. Just like any relationship, the more you know and can express what you want, the better chance you will have at receiving that. You may be entering therapy for the first time and not have a sense of what needs to happen other than you want to feel better. It is important to express this as well. Here is a list of what has seen to be true for many people about therapy:

· It takes time to establish a trusting relationship with a therapist.

· It is important to go at your own pace and not overwhelm yourself.

· We all resist change.  Don’t be surprised if you are tempted to quit right before some real changes or breakthroughs are about to happen.

· Becoming more healthy and balanced can feel very unfamiliar and uncomfortable at first.

· Being committed to therapy can change your life. Be prepared to feel some loss from this.

· Others may resist your changes and growth and will need time to adapt.

· Therapy is hard work.

· Your therapist is not perfect and will make mistakes.  Expect for your therapist to acknowledge and discuss these mistakes with you as part of the therapeutic process.

· Some therapy is short term (usually focusing on one issue and situational) and other therapy may be longer term (more than one or complex issues).

· Expect your therapist to have good boundaries, avoid dual relationships, be ethical, and treat you with respect. If not, find another therapist.

 

Follow the link below to fill out a questionnaire that will help you determine “Do I Need Therapy?”

(right click and open in new tab/window)   “Do I Need Therapy?”