Before clients begin their therapy session, they are always anxious as what to expect, what to talk about, getting relaxed, convincing themselves that the session will yield results, and so on. In my years of practicing psychotherapy and hypnotherapy, I have had some clients ask me how to make the most out their psychotherapy session. Here are some tips for making the most of the therapy:
CAREFULLY CHOOSE
You may be in a hurry to get the answers to your problems, but the first thing to do is to take time to choose your therapist carefully. Research different therapists and their approaches. This will help you find the right therapist who will offer solutions to what you seek and whom you will be comfortable working with.
UNDERSTAND IT IS A COLLABORATION
The therapy session is to be an interactive process between you and the therapist. Feel free to tell your therapist what you expect from the therapy, the best time that will be convenient for you and even ask questions on areas that you seek clarification on. This will help the therapist to understand you and work as a team with you.
LET YOUR SESSIONS BE AT A GOOD TIME
Your therapy sessions require your full attention. So choose the best time that you will have little or no distraction. It may take a little time to process the session before you engage in your next activity.
FEEL FREE DURING THE THERAPY
Your therapy session is not a time for censorship. The therapist will request you to free up yourself and tell him or her all that he or she needs to know. You don’t need to be scared about divulging private information to your therapist as it is kept confidential and will be required to better know you and give you a therapy that will yield the results you desire.
SET MILESTONES
To be able to determine when the results are coming, you need to set some markers that will indicate that to you. This can be observed changes in emotion, behavior or attitude. Noticing the changes will motivate you to continue with the therapy and achieve more results.
DETERMINE YOUR BOUNDARIES
Your therapy session is supposed to be kept confidential. You have to set boundaries about who you talk to about it especially people who gossip or who will give you unsolicited advice. Such gossip or unsolicited advice can become discouraging and prevent you from getting the full expected results from your therapy sessions.
Finally, therapy sessions can give you the much needed relief from your emotional or psychological problem. Try and enjoy the whole process and see the results come in faster than you expect.
Jessica Mcintyre is an experienced Psychotherapist with a Masters Psychology, and a certification in Marriage & Family Therapist, licensed as a Hypnotherapy and Neuro Linguistic Programming. Her experience in the psychotherapy and hypnotherapy field enables her to apply insight, wisdom, expertise, compassion, humor, patience as well as “low-key” spirituality, necessary to implement a positive change in your life.