Counseling, or seeking therapy, is a process. It is hard to say how long it is going to take you to achieve your goals. For instance, it could take a couple of appointments, or it could take a few years. However, one thing is for sure: if you focus on getting the most out of your counseling sessions, you can achieve your goals sooner. Here are some ways to get more out of your counseling sessions.
Make sure you're with the right counselor.
There are many amazing counselors, but they may not all be the best fit for you. If you are currently working with a counselor who you just don't feel a lot of camaraderie or comfort with, then it is worth meeting with another counselor or two to see if you can find a better fit. When you're with the right counselor, you tend to make faster progress since you'll feel more comfortable being open and honest.
Schedule your sessions when you're at your best.
Are you a morning person who feels like your best self when the sun is barely up? Maybe you're an afternoon worker, or perhaps you're a night owl. Think about what time of day you tend to be at your best or most productive, and schedule your counseling sessions then. You'll get more out of the experience when you're feeling energetic and focused, not drained and distracted.
Do your homework.
Often, your counselor will give you homework — things to work on between sessions. It's tempting to shrug off this homework or push it to the bottom of your to-do list, but that will just delay your progress. Make completing your homework a top priority. If you struggle with it, reach out to your counselor and ask questions rather than just waiting until your next appointment. Counselors are generally willing to answer "homework questions" between appointments.
Be open to trying new things.
If your counselor suggests something, and it sounds a little different or strange to you, try it anyway. Often, patients resist these suggestions at first, only to realize later on that they're exactly what they needed. If you try things when your counselor first suggests them, even if it's a little uncomfortable, you'll make progress faster.
Counseling can help you work through a lot of things, but you need to put in the effort in order to make good progress. Follow the steps above, and trust yourself. Contact a counseling program for more information.
Share28 April 2021
When I initially started the therapy process about 10 years ago, I didn't take the time to scout out the right counselor. Instead, I just went to the first counselor that my doctor recommended, and the experience was less than enjoyable. I realized that I might need to do a little research to find the right counselor for me, so I took the time to carefully evaluate my needs and research different clinics in my area. I was able to find an amazing counselor who really seemed to have it under control, and it was incredibly beneficial to see the difference that it made. This blog is all about finding the right counselor.
