What is Counseling/ Psychotherapy?
Therapy is the process of solving emotional problems by talking with a person professionally trained to help people achieve a more fulfilling individual life, marital relationship, or family relationships. The process of change will, in many ways, be unique to your particular situation. Who you are as a person will help to determine the ways in which you go about changing your life. The process of change begins by first clearly defining the problem, and then discussing your thoughts and feelings, understanding the origin of the difficulty and developing news skills and healthy attitudes about yourself and others. As the patient, you have the right to ask your therapist questions about his/her qualifications, background and orientation. The most important factor in the success of therapy is good communication between therapist and patient. In some instances, talking about your difficulties may exacerbate your symptoms, however over time you should see an improvement. In addition, not all individuals benefit from therapy or working with a particular therapist. If at any time during the therapy you have questions about whether or not the treatment is effective, feelings about something I have said or suggested or need clarification of our goals, do not hesitate to bring this up in our session.
How to get the most out of your own Counseling?
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Make your appointments a priority
If you have ever tried to learn a new skill or try to get in shape at the gym, you know consistency is key. Frequently rescheduling and canceling sessions are going to prevent progress in therapy. This is why I only schedule upon availability or terminate therapy if missed appointments are too excessive. The clients who get better the fastest are the ones that come to all of their appointments consistently. For my client’s convenience I am also locate right by a bus stop. When you make appointments priority great things can start to happen.
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Be willing to take risks and try new things
Anything new feels strange or even weird, If you hired a new coach to help you with your tennis game, the way he/she would tell you to hold your racket may feel “wrong” at first, but after practice it becomes natural and improves your game. Well it’s like that in therapy, I will help you to improve or teach you skills and techniques that will feel very different at first but eventually it will be second nature to you. The crucial thing I need from you is willingness to practice the skills we talk about in session to your everyday life. The ideal client shows curiosity and eagerness to try new things and follow through with recommendations from their sessions.
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Take responsibility for your mental health
If you were to go to the doctor’s office and he asked you what brought you in today and you just shrugged your shoulders or responded with, “I don’t know” you would leave the office without receiving any care. The same is true for therapy. Model clients come prepared to each session with issues they would like to address in their session, weather that be a mental note or a written note (which is why most therapists suggest keeping a journal). They also make note if their symptoms are improving or worsening between sessions. Ideal clients have clear goals of what they would like to accomplish and actively work on them.
4. Give direct and honest feedback
The more background and feedback I get from you about what is working and what isn’t, the more I can tailor my therapeutic technique to your individual case. Never be afraid to hurt my feelings, I value your honesty. This helps me to better do my job and be more effective in helping you get better faster.