Make Therapy Work
By Bob Torgerson
"What do I have to do to make my therapy work?"
If you have ever asked this question read on. The first thing needed is to Have a Goal in Mind. Whatever your concern, put it into clear language so you can measure your progress and stay on track. Next you will want to Be Open to Change. Keep in mind that whatever you have been doing to help yourself hasn't been working or you wouldn't be considering therapy. Change is difficult. It will be hard at times, don't give up on yourself. Be clear about your Expectations for therapy. You can expect to see steady progress; making small but consistent changes. Change will not seem as hard; you may actually look forward to more.
Trust your therapist. Be honest about what you are thinking and feeling. You can't expect help if the therapist does not know what is wrong. Be willing to go deeper, risk your secrets, and let go of control. Therapists can relate to your feelings and will work with you in as gentle a manner as possible. Make an effort to do the work suggested. What doesn't work for you can be dropped but continue using what does work.
Therapy should feel Safe. If you find it difficult to trust, therapy will not work. You should feel safe to express your feelings, to ask for help, and to risk change. You should feel that you are receiving unconditional acceptance. Speak up if you don't or change therapists. Your part is to attend sessions clear headed and willing to work. This means no alcohol or other drugs before sessions.
Even attending sessions after a long night of partying will not be in your best interests. Give yourself the gift of doing honest work. Finally, it is important that you Be Aware of Your Progress. Notice even small improvements in your situation. Keep a diary, ask for feedback from friends and your therapist, and finally, celebrate your successes. Plan some quiet time after sessions to review and reflect. Most of all, be real about your progress, it's a steady growth process.
By: Bob Torgerson, MA, LPC, CACII
For More Articles by Therapists on this and other Topics, go to http://www.therapylinx.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bob_Torgerson
"What do I have to do to make my therapy work?"
If you have ever asked this question read on. The first thing needed is to Have a Goal in Mind. Whatever your concern, put it into clear language so you can measure your progress and stay on track. Next you will want to Be Open to Change. Keep in mind that whatever you have been doing to help yourself hasn't been working or you wouldn't be considering therapy. Change is difficult. It will be hard at times, don't give up on yourself. Be clear about your Expectations for therapy. You can expect to see steady progress; making small but consistent changes. Change will not seem as hard; you may actually look forward to more.
Trust your therapist. Be honest about what you are thinking and feeling. You can't expect help if the therapist does not know what is wrong. Be willing to go deeper, risk your secrets, and let go of control. Therapists can relate to your feelings and will work with you in as gentle a manner as possible. Make an effort to do the work suggested. What doesn't work for you can be dropped but continue using what does work.
Therapy should feel Safe. If you find it difficult to trust, therapy will not work. You should feel safe to express your feelings, to ask for help, and to risk change. You should feel that you are receiving unconditional acceptance. Speak up if you don't or change therapists. Your part is to attend sessions clear headed and willing to work. This means no alcohol or other drugs before sessions.
Even attending sessions after a long night of partying will not be in your best interests. Give yourself the gift of doing honest work. Finally, it is important that you Be Aware of Your Progress. Notice even small improvements in your situation. Keep a diary, ask for feedback from friends and your therapist, and finally, celebrate your successes. Plan some quiet time after sessions to review and reflect. Most of all, be real about your progress, it's a steady growth process.
By: Bob Torgerson, MA, LPC, CACII
For More Articles by Therapists on this and other Topics, go to http://www.therapylinx.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bob_Torgerson