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Should I Start Therapy?

Should I Start Therapy?

If you have been watching some of the latest television shows or scrolling through TikTok recently, therapy is on the rise. You may wonder if the treatment works or what to expect from therapy. These are good thoughts, especially when considering if you should start therapy. Consider starting therapy for many reasons, especially if you are currently struggling with obstacles in your life.

What To Expect in Therapy

You may ask yourself, “What can I expect from therapy?” Therapy will look different for everyone based on why you are coming into treatment. Maybe you are currently dealing with anxiety standing in the way of living comfortably. If this is the case, your therapist might use a modality such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Modalities are evidence-based approaches to therapy that your therapist has training in to assist you and your mental health needs better.

Maybe you have dealt with a trauma that causes flashbacks or physical responses in certain situations. In this scenario, your therapist might utilize Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR). Or perhaps you are struggling with substance abuse-in which case your therapist might utilize Motivational Interviewing. Each therapist has modalities they specialize in and will use them based on what you present to the therapist as the issue at hand. Your therapist might use many different modalities tailored to your situation.

Therapy often begins with you and your therapist building a relationship and setting goals regarding what you may want to work on. The work starts once you and your therapist develop the plan. Therapy is a time for you and your therapist to work on your mind and body relating to your experiences. Some sessions may be fun, some may be hard, some may be emotional, and some may feel great. While in therapy, the critical thing to remember is to let things flow and show yourself grace regardless of how a session may feel. Taking the time to work on yourself is hard work, which is okay.

How To Choose a Therapist

Many people have expressed that the most challenging part of beginning therapy is finding a therapist that fits their needs. There are many ways to go about choosing a therapist, but there may also be some trial and error along with patience involved.

There are many ways to find a therapist that works for you. You should begin by asking yourself what you want to see in your therapist. Do you want a male, female, or nonbinary therapist? Do you want a therapist of color? Do you want a therapist who specializes in a specific topic? Be honest when looking for a therapist because you can look for precisely what you want. Once you have the answers to questions like these, you can research and use websites like Psychology Today to find someone who may meet your needs.

Another factor to consider when looking for a therapist is the cost of therapy. Therapy is an investment in your life, and choosing a therapist you can see consistently is crucial. Some therapists are in-network with insurance, meaning you will usually have a co-payment based on your insurance. In comparison, some therapists are out-of-network with insurance, meaning you will pay upfront for your sessions, and reimbursement will occur for some or all of the costs. If you do not have insurance, you can see a therapist by asking about sliding scale costs, which is a discounted rate with your therapist. There are many options to consider regarding therapy costs, and therapists should be up-front about their pricing from the beginning. Many online platforms help connect you to a therapist at a fixed fee, such as Hers and BetterHelp. Whatever your financial situation, there is a therapist for you to fit your needs.

How to Get the Most out of Therapy

Now that you have chosen a therapist and know what to expect, it is time to think about how to get the most out of your experience in therapy. One of the most important parts of therapy is showing up. Weekly sessions with your therapist are imperative to get the most out of the time with your therapist. It is vital to ensure that only a little time passes between sessions; consistency is key. Therapy involves you being able to open up to your therapist honestly and vulnerably. Your therapist is there as a safe space, and you should be able to express your feelings without judgment.

Taking notes in sessions to refer back to what you discussed with your therapist later is also a great idea. Therapy sessions sometimes go by quickly, and reflecting on thoughts, feelings, and emotions is helpful after sessions. Your therapist may often give you homework to work on between sessions, which is valuable and essential to continue working on yourself outside of therapy. Homework can be anything from practicing a coping skill learned in the session to journaling about your feelings. Your therapist will tailor your homework to you and your needs.

If something isn’t working for you in therapy, expressing this to your therapist is also important. Your therapist wants you to feel comfortable, and it is important to discuss when something doesn’t feel right so that you and your therapist can work together to find a solution. Often, clients feel guilty about telling their therapist if something isn’t working, but your therapist wants to hear from you.

Going to therapy can be scary, especially if it is your first time. But starting therapy has many benefits and is a great way to begin the healing you may need. It is also important to remember that going to therapy does not mean something is wrong with you; it can be enjoyable. Therapy is a great way to work on yourself and have a space designed and tailored just for you.

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