Getting The Most Out Of Therapy

Many of my clients have busy lives and will often ask me how they can get the most value for their time in therapy. I always tell them that what they put in will determine how much they get back out. The more open and honest a client is, the easier it is for a therapist to provide you with the tools and information you need to succeed in therapy.  The best way I can explain it is that a client gives the therapist the puzzle pieces and then the therapist helps the client put the pieces together in a way that makes the most sense to the client.  If you are unhappy with a technique that a therapist is using, it’s important that you make your feelings known. This will allow the therapist to change tactics, or perhaps even figure out what it is that is making you so reluctant to follow that tactic. At the end of the day, only you know what is and isn’t working for you, so be sure to give the therapist some guidance in order to get the best results. Often, I have many different techniques I can use, so if one doesn’t work for someone, it is very easy for me to move to the next one, or explain why I think we might want to continue trying the current technique.

Here are a few tips that will help you have a successful therapy session:

1. Be open to trying new things. If you arrive at the office unwilling to go in and give it a try, you will not have a great experience. If the thought of going to the office is causing you concern, look for a therapist who offers online therapy. This often delivers a level of comfort that makes it easier for you to open up and be receptive to new things because you are in a physical space that you are more familiar with and in more control over.
2. Start keeping a journal where you can write down ideas of things to talk about in your next session. Although, you don’t have to have anything ready, some people feel more comfortable being prepared.
3. Bring a notepad with you so that you can take notes during your therapy session. It’s easy to forget important points raised by your therapist.
4. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or to give feedback.  A good therapist won’t be taken aback with your concerns.
5. Always be willing to try the techniques being offered up. If you feel that they aren’t helping, you can then move on to the next tactic. You have to resist the urge to reject change, though, so give these new techniques a chance to work before dismissing them out of hand.

If you live in California and are looking for a therapist, please give us a call at Long Beach Therapy: 562-310-9741.