If you have booked an appointment with a counselor, you have already taken a brave step. Not many people open up to therapy and counseling, often because they fear facing their emotions. Also, there is an unusual stigma around mental health. There are some amazing services that offer Oklahoma City individual counseling, so if you are still undecided, consider scheduling an appointment. The first session will be an eye-opener of sorts, at least to most people meeting a good therapist. In this post, we are sharing more on how to make the most of your counseling lessons.
- Be honest. Counselors and therapists can only help, when you are completely honest and transparent. Keep in mind that your therapist is not here to judge you. They don’t know anything about you, and all your conversations will be private. You have no reason to step back from talking to your counselor.
- Be specific with your goals. What do you expect from counseling? For example, a person may go to therapy, just to work on their social anxiety issues. For someone else, saving a relationship is the immediate concern. It is always best to have specific goals, so that the counseling goes in right direction.
- Write down what you feel. Before you go for counseling, consider writing down all that disturbs your mind and emotions. Your counselor will ask questions anyway, but notes can help in tracking thought patterns better. Journaling is always a good idea, no matter whether opting for therapy or not.
- Talk money beforehand. A good therapist will let you know of their charges well in advance. You don’t want to come to counseling and discuss costs. The session should be all about your mind, emotions, thoughts, and immediate goals. Don’t discuss money with a therapist before or during the session.
- Be open to ideas. It is absolutely necessary to be open to ideas. If your relationship is strained with your spouse, your therapist may ask to talk. This may be out of your comfort zone, but think of this as an expertise. The first rule of therapy is to trust your therapist and follow what has been asked.
There is no one reason to go to therapy. If you are having trouble handling certain thoughts and emotions, seeing a counselor is the sane thing to do. A good therapist can make you feel better and at ease, almost immediately.