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Getting into therapy is not always easy, because it requires opening up to others. And even if it is often a health professional, the exercise remains delicate. To help you, here are ten little things your therapist wants you to know before you enter their office.
Some people have no fear about meeting with a therapist. Others, on the contrary, prefer not to hear about it. While the exercise can be complicated, there are some things you need to know before you begin. Here they are.
Your hesitation is normal
Most people enter therapy with a healthy dose of skepticism, as well as some hesitation, even worry or doubt. This is normal, but it should not deter you from going to see someone if you need it. Tell yourself that the process of opening up to a stranger about your fears, your insecurities, and even your feelings of shame is intimidating. And that it will take time for you to trust your therapist.
You are essential to the process
In line with the previous idea, it must be remembered that therapy requires your contribution. The therapist will guide you with questions and comments, but your active participation is essential. The more open and honest you are about what is bothering you, the easier you will move forward in your therapy.
Therapy is not just about receiving advice
We tend to believe that the therapist will have a turnkey solution to offer you, once your problems have been posed. This is not the case. The therapists listen to you and discuss with you, in order to help you arrive at the best solution: the one that suits you.
But they rarely offer direct advice or give their personal opinions on your concerns. For what ? Quite simply because simplistic advice rarely leads to big changes. And that’s not what you need.
Therapists work hard, even when they look relaxed
Your therapist may appear relaxed, but he or she is actually listening to you attentively. He also thinks about what might be causing you trouble and carefully evaluates what and how he will tell you. The basic foundation of psychotherapy is the therapist’s ability to provide a safe space where you can share your deepest concerns. And he works in each session to further gain your trust.
Psychotherapists are real people (with emotions)
Therapists experience joys and sorrows in their own lives, just like you. They make mistakes and are imperfect, like all human beings… But their job is to separate their personal life from their work. They are therefore not there to be your friend or form a special relationship (romantic or sexual) with you.
A therapist does not solve problems alone
Contrary to a widespread myth, a therapist does not work on himself to meet his own needs or resolve his conflicts. He’s not going to use you to feel better about himself, and while he may be excited about your progress, he’s not taking credit for it or using it to boost his ego.
A therapist is not on the job 24/7
Because therapy is a helping profession, some people assume that therapists are always on, that they never stop working, and that they are constantly willing to listen to others. This is obviously not the case, so if you come across him by chance, avoid bringing up your concerns.
Ethical behavior is essential
This is again an idea widespread through films, in particular, but therapists do not have dinner with their patients. On the contrary, they must respect a strict code of ethics and will not exceed the limits of their experience. If this is not the case or the professional you meet makes you uncomfortable, do not hesitate to change.
A therapist wants to be paid for their services
There is no need to specify it: like any professional offering a service, the therapist must be paid at the end of his consultations. If the caring relationship between a therapist and their patient is real, it is their time and expertise that you are paying for.
Psychotherapy is not just for the weak
Unfortunately, these stereotypes and stigma have a chilling effect. Many people still think that psychotherapy is only useful for “weak” people. Some people still have these kinds of ideas, believing that meeting a therapist or psychologist would be an admission of mental weakness.
On the contrary, carrying out this work is difficult and the path to change is often long and complex. You won’t always come out of a session feeling good; Sometimes you will feel sad or angry because of the emotions that have surfaced. But the awareness and understanding you will gain will be worth it. So be ready before you start!
Slide: 10 signs you should see a psychologist