Taking a Leap of Faith
Taking the first step to see a mental health therapist can feel like less of a step and more of a “leap,” as you entrust someone - a stranger - with your thoughts and feelings during a time when you likely feel your most vulnerable. And it’s OK if you have mixed feelings about it. Unlike a physical ailment like a broken bone or a persistent cough, it’s very easy for us to feel that we can simply push through by throwing things “under the rug,” or even minimize the symptoms that your mind and body are feeling that led you to seek help to begin with. However, a decision to invest in yourself and your future is simply priceless. As you navigate potential apprehension (or even excitement) I hope these pointers below will help you with getting you to your first session.
Finding the Right Therapist
The connection to your therapist is a huge factor in the success of your treatment. Think about it - this is the person who you want to feel comfortable sharing all of you - your history, innermost thoughts, feelings, etc. Although the first session is often a time in which the therapist is the one asking all the questions, you should certainly take the opportunity to ask questions as well. This is a two-way street! Here are some things you may want to know:
What is your experience working with clients like me?
How long do your clients typically stay in therapy for?
What approach do you take in treatment?
What is expected of me as a client?
Sometimes, when people say, “therapy didn’t work,” it’s because of a poor connection with the therapist. This is no fault of the client or the therapist; sometimes it simply is not the right fit. But do not give up if it didn’t work the first time around! The good news is: Now you know what doesn’t work, which will help point you in the direction of what does work.
At Niche we provide culturally responsive, identity affirming mental health care. We treat clients with respect, and ensure that all who receive services feel seen, heard and understood.
Setting Therapy Expectations
Generally speaking, the role of the therapist is to assess the problem and identify interventions that will help the client achieve their goals. A therapist will find opportunities to motivate you, empower you and even coach you through some challenges. Their ultimate goal is for you to reach an overall sense of fulfillment and self-actualization in life. However, don’t expect a therapist to tell you what to do! Ultimately, a therapists’ job is to eliminate their job. The goal of therapy is to equip you with the self-awareness, the coping skills and tools you need to have a more fulfilling and joyful life.
And yet, despite prior success with therapy, you may find yourself coming back in a season of life. That’s Ok! As you go through life, different issues may emerge, or sometimes are experienced in a new way that requires help. Sometimes, you may just need a refresher, almost like a “tune up” where you return to therapy to identify new ways of thinking or coping. For some, they may have some chronic needs that require recurring sessions. Everyone has a different lived experience, and different needs. Therapy is not fixed, and may vary in frequency and duration.
Trying Something Different
Many of us already have some resources, whether they are the people in our lives, or things that we do to help us through tough times. You may have a really good friend who you confide in, and who gives great advice. You may be a faithful person, who believes in the healing power of prayer or meditation. When exploring therapy as an option, you are simply in a place in which the things you have been doing are no longer helping as much as they once did. But trying something different doesn’t mean that you have to eliminate those resources. If anything, you should be able to identify and highlight your existing strengths and resources as a part of your therapy! When you sign up for therapy, you are getting a licensed non-judgmental provider who has been formally trained in evidence-based interventions to address the current issues. And this may be the different thing that will make the difference you are looking for.
So, take the leap.
Take the first step towards healing.
The authentic and happier you is waiting.