What to expect from therapy

If you are entering therapy for the first time, you may feel a little anxious. After all, you really don’t know what to expect. You may have been in therapy before, but dropped out early because you didn’t know what to expect. Many people enter therapy hoping to find quick and easy solutions to their difficulties.

That expectation is usually too high. So what can you expect from therapy?

You can expect to feel a little awkward at first. It takes time to establish a trusting relationship with a therapist. After a session or two, you should feel more comfortable.

Be prepared to answer some questions. Remember that the therapist must gather information to fully understand you and your situation. One question you’ll hear a lot is, “And how do you feel about it?” So be prepared to talk about your feelings.

Don’t be surprised if you are asked to complete homework or read books. Therapy is less effective if you only focus on your problems and concerns once a week for an hour. Doing the specific activities assigned by the therapist speeds up the time it takes to resolve your problems.

Therapy can be very painful. Expect to be emotional in the session. It is normal to be tearful and/or angry. You will be talking about situations and people that have hurt you. You may need to talk about your past. You could be discussing things that you are ashamed of. This is an emotionally charged process.

Therapy is hard work. It requires time and patience. You may be tempted to quit right before any real changes or breakthroughs happen. We are all naturally resistant to change.

Others may also resist your changes and growth. Don’t be put off by this, they need time to adjust. As you become healthier and more balanced, you may also need time to adjust. This can be awkward at first, as it can seem very unfamiliar.

If you keep your commitment to therapy, it will change your life. Be prepared to feel some loss. It is a normal part of change.

Therapy is a journey. Expect it to be just like any other ride with roads that go up, down, and turn. There will be some smooth sailing and some rough seas. When you work hard and stick to the course, therapy can get you there.