JH Therapyandcounselling.com
What to Expect from Therapy
For you to think about before beginning therapy
Do you have any preconceptions about what therapy involves? Perhaps you or someone you’re close to has had previous experience which was helpful – or not – and this is colouring your thoughts?
Therapy can be a refuge and feel reassuring, but it can also be uncomfortable and challenging at times. This can be a sign that some really important work is being done. It needs commitment from you, in time and openness, and a willingness to persist through difficulty with belief that it will be worth it. Can you make time for a regular session, and for thinking and reflection in between? If so, I’ll commit to being there for you and working with you.
There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you
Maya Angelou,
I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings
First, find somewhere quiet to think about, and perhaps write down, what has happened that has made you think therapy might help you. How is it affecting your life? What are you hoping for? Can you even put these into words? Don’t worry if you can’t – this will come in time.
We think we listen, but very rarely do we listen with real understanding, true empathy. Yet listening, of this very special kind, is one of the most potent forces for change that I know
Carl Rogers
Being deeply listened to without judgement is something of which many of us have little or no experience. The people we are closest to have their own opinions, agendas and wishes, and we may want to protect them or fear being rejected if we show our true selves.
Therapy offers a safe space just for you, in which you can reflect on and talk about your experiences and feelings with a trained professional who can support and accompany you to explore ways to manage your distress.
The most effective therapy is a kind of teamwork, with client and therapist working together with mutual respect and commitment.
As my client, your welfare will be my priority, and trust, warmth, acceptance and empathy are the foundations of my practice. During our sessions, I’ll listen to your experiences, what they mean to you, how you feel about them and how they’re affecting your life.
You set the pace and decide the subject matter. Together we can work towards understanding, which in turn can lead to change or a new peace.
I don’t give advice and I don’t promise or even attempt to ‘fix’ people. But I may offer suggestions, signpost you to additional or alternative sources of information or support, or respectfully challenge you on occasion, if I believe it might help you.