You may be entering therapy for
the first time and not have a sense of what needs to happen
other than you want to feel better. It is important to
express this as well. Here is a list of what
we have seen to be true for many people about
therapy:
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It takes time to establish a
trusting relationship with a therapist.
-
It is important to go at your own
pace and not overwhelm yourself.
-
We all resist change. Don't be
surprised if you are tempted to quit right before some real
changes or breakthroughs are about to happen.
-
Becoming more healthy and balanced
can feel very unfamiliar and uncomfortable at first.
-
Being committed to therapy will
change your life. Be prepared to feel some loss from this.
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Others may resist your changes and
growth and will need time to adapt.
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Therapy is hard work.
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Your therapist is not perfect and
will make mistakes. Hopefully he or she will acknowledge
and take responsibility for those mistakes.
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Some therapy is short term
(usually focusing on one issue and situational) and other
therapy
may be longer term (more than one or complex issues.)
-
Expect your therapist to have good
boundaries, avoid dual relationships, be ethical, and treat
you with respect. If not, find another therapist.
Remember that therapy, in the hands of a skilled therapist,
is a powerful and life-changing experience.
It has been shown to be effective for a variety of
illnesses and problems. If you need therapy and work
as an active participant in your own treatment, you can
expect it will be well worth the time and money
you invest.
Use our Directory to find
a therapist.
