The Top 10 Truths about Therapy and Counseling in Westlake, OH
We have come a long way in just the last few years in destigmatizing and demystifying therapy. However, there are still a lot of myths and half truths out there about therapy. If you are considering starting therapy for the first time it can be anxiety provoking. It can help to know what is true about therapy or meeting with a psychologist. Here are ten truths that shed light on its realities and benefits:
1. Therapy can be for Everyone
Therapy isn't just for those in crisis. It's for anyone seeking personal growth, better relationships, or improved mental health. Sometimes the biggest barrier to therapy is readiness or openness to change or growth.
2. It's a Safe Space
Therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists (mental health professionals) take privacy and confidentiality seriously. You can share your thoughts and feelings openly without fear of judgment. There are only a few exceptions to confidentiality and these typically have to do with your safety or someone else's safety. You can always ask your therapist up front when they would have to break confidentiality or phrase a question in a hypothetical if your not sure.
3. Variety of Approaches
There are many types of therapy. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is often talked about because this approach is easier to research outcomes but there are many other options including: family systems, psychodynamic, and humanistic to name a few. Each approach is tailored to different needs and goals. If one therapy approach didn’t work for you or doesn’t appeal to you you may want to look into a different type to see if that is a better fit.
4. The Therapeutic Relationship
A trusting relationship with your therapist is probably most important. No matter the type of therapy the relationship provides the foundation for effective therapy.
5. It's an Active Process
Media often portrays therapy as someone laying on the couch and the therapist nodding their head or engaging in “active” listening. Don’t get me wrong many of us still have couches and being listened to and heard is still one of the most important parts of therapy. However, therapy requires active participation (from both the therapist and patient), commitment, and practicing what is learned inside therapy outside sessions for maximum benefit.
6.Therapy Takes Time
There are some goals and change that can meaningfully occur within the first few sessions but for long term change and progress (especially for behaviors and patterns that are well rooted or have been occurring for years) patience and consistency are key to experiencing meaningful change and reaching related goals.
7. You Might Feel Worse Before Better
Therapy doesn’t have many negative side effects but it does have this one. Delving into difficult emotions and memories can initially be challenging and emotionally overwhelming. It’s a good idea to speak to your therapist about strategies or a coping plan ahead of time in case strong emotions come up during/after your appointment. The good news is that the more you work through the difficult stuff the more likely you are to feel better. Remember the metaphor of finding yourself in the middle of a dark tunnel. It’s scary to move around, you don’t know what else you can come across, you don’t want to go backwards to get out (how will you reach your destination?), and therefore the only way out is to keep moving through the tunnel. The good news is that your therapist is a guide to help you navigate the tunnel.
8. It's Customized
Your therapy is unique to you. Therapists work to understand your specific needs and tailor their approach accordingly.
9. Focus on the Present and Future
We often think of therapy as talking about what happened in the past and it’s impact on us currently. While exploring the past can be essential, therapy often emphasizes current issues and future goals, focusing on actionable steps.
10. You Have Control
You drive the therapy process. You get to decide your goals, agenda, and pace. While your therapist may give you guidance or feedback you are in the driver’s seat. It's okay to speak up if something isn't working for you.