first time in therapy?
I know that therapy can feel like an intimidating, even taboo experience - especially couples therapy. Like I’ve mentioned before, couples therapy does not indicate a sign of failure!
In case you’re new to therapy and are thinking about getting started, here are a couple of things that can help you:
1. Keep in mind that the therapist is on your side, there to listen, support and reflect back to you what they are hearing and seeing. They are not judging you and have likely heard much more shocking experiences, so you can feel safe to open up and be yourself. In fact the more you can be vulnerable, honest and open the more you’ll grow and get out of the therapeutic process.
2. It’s normal to not know where to begin. You don’t need to rehearse what to talk about. Whatever emerges as long as you are present and authentic is exactly right. If you don’t know where to start, then start with whatever it is that you are feeling and thinking in that moment and let yourself enter into the creative process of getting to know yourself in a new way. You can’t make a mistake in therapy.
3. Make certain that you can afford to do therapy weekly and that it’s at a time that regularly works for your schedule. You don’t want to feel financially stretched or stressed out about making your appointment on time. Remember this is one the best gifts you can ever give to yourself and you want it to feel good on all levels.
4. Speak up about your experience. Share with your therapist what is working and especially share what isn’t. This is a unique relationship where you can be totally honest about your experience with the therapist. And doing so will guarantee you more nourishing and life-changing results.
I’d love to hear how it goes!
