If you’ve never been in therapy, the process can seem a little daunting from the outside.
A lot of people may be interested in counselling but are apprehensive about taking that first step, simply out of a lack of understanding about how the process works.
Even if you’ve already booked your first appointment, here’s what to expect from therapy if you’re asking yourself, how does counselling work, and what role do I play during my sessions?
Getting Acquainted With Your Counsellor
During your first session, your counsellor will usually begin to establish a working relationship with you. You may get asked about your goals and what you’re hoping to achieve from the experience.
You will also be asked more about what brought you into the office.
For some clients, getting down to business comes easily, but for others, it might feel awkward or bizarre to speak to a stranger about your personal life and struggles.
Regardless, a good counsellor will be able to attune to your comfort level and help you to feel safe and supported in your first session.
Your History
Our history plays a role in shaping who we are, how we think, and how we behave. Oftentimes we can uncover reasons for why we behave in certain ways by looking at our past.
Depending on your counsellor, you may be asked a little bit about your family history or any significant events that you think might be helpful for your counsellor to know.
Some people will get into detail immediately while others will move at a slower pace, allowing details to emerge with time – both are okay approaches. The important thing is your willingness to be open and patient.
Present Experience
It is important for your counsellor to understand your current state of mind and situation and the motivation behind seeking counselling in the first place.
This helps your counsellor to consider a structure for moving forward or create a treatment plan that will be most beneficial for you.
Also, for many counsellors, a collaborative approach is valued.
You are the expert in your own experience after all, so feel free to adjust or comment on what you’d prefer more or less in your process.
Your Role in Counselling as a Client
Show up
When you attend your sessions, be present and do your best to be open. The more you give, the more you’ll get from the process.
Do the Work
Many counsellors will equip you with the tools or strategies specific to your situation and ask you to try certain exercises between sessions.
The majority of your growth happens outside of the office.
That means that if you practice what you and your counsellor consider in session, you’ll likely improve much sooner than if you just show up to a session every now and then.
Ask Questions
If you’re curious about what you are doing, or why you are doing it, asking is the best way to understand!
It’s common for counsellors to offer psycho-education in sessions to help you stay engaged and in the know.
If something doesn’t make sense, feels confusing, or doesn’t feel right for you, use your voice.
Stick with It
This is often an area of counselling that is misunderstood, however, counselling is not intended to be advice-oriented. Some clients want a quick fix, and the truth is that life is complex.
There are going to be times when you leave your session feeling elated and other sessions where you leave with a bit of an emotional hangover. Both are normal and necessary.
Learning about yourself and using that information to grow and change old patterns to move forward in a healthy manner takes time.
Final Thoughts
Therapy is a process, and one intended to help you get to know yourself better. Therapy is also a great place to acquire effective tools to deal more appropriately with turbulent situations.
Understanding that counsellors practice with the intention to help can ease some of the discomfort you may feel in sharing your thoughts and feelings.
But the more you do it, the easier it gets. If you are hesitant about starting because you don’t know what to expect, let us help!
If you have or are currently considering therapy, such as anxiety therapy, and don’t know where to start, contact us and we’d be happy to walk you through the process.
No pressure or commitments are required. Book a free consultation today to determine if we are the right fit for you.