9 Powerful Ways to Maximize your Time in Counseling

Usually when people make the decision to come to counseling, it is because there is something challenging in their life that they want to see change and improve ASAP, and no one likes to spend a very long time doing something that doesn’t feel very impactful. If you want to make sure you are getting the absolute most out of your therapy sessions, I have some helpful tips that can take your progress to the next level.

1. Be honest with yourself and your counselor
   This is not the time to impress or pretend. The more real you can be, quicker we can get to the heart of an issue. 

2. Be ready to play an active role
   Work together with me in applying concepts to real parts of your life and situations in a way that speaks to you. If you have questions, or want help with something that came up during the week, go ahead and ask!

3. Apply the work outside of our time together
   I’m only with you for maybe an hour per week. The work must continue outside of our scheduled times in order to build new patterns.

4. Be open to discomfort
   It is always my goal to provide a safe space where you feel like you can let your guard down, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be discomfort. 

5. Be open to directness, openness and honesty from your counselor
   It is a priority for me to be kind and warm, but that doesn’t mean I won’t be direct. It is part of my role to challenge at times, and be direct when needed. I’m not making good use of your time by always beating around the bush!

6. Be willing to be direct with me
   If you disagree or feel like I’ve gotten something wrong, let me know! I may have misunderstood something you said, or didn’t read between the lines properly. We can get to the heart of an issue more quickly when you’re willing to be direct with me.

7. Notice resistance
   Be aware that sometimes in therapy, you may find this feeling of resistance coming up. Instead of giving in right away, notice it and get curious! Ask yourself, “where is the resistance coming from?”

8. Don’t give up after slipping up
   Instead, expect to have to try again many times. You may feel pumped during the session and then when the session is over, life happens. You may forget or not stick with something. That’s all part of the process. The key is to come back to it. You are building new pathways in the brain and that takes so much repetition!

9. Remember healing and growth take time
   Often what we see are small changes that over time add up to big changes.

Are you ready to start on the next step towards change? sign up for your free consultation today and let’s get started!

Hope to hear from you soon,

Olivia