Many of my clients say that in just a few sessions they have made more progress than they have in years with their previous provider.
This is probably because my style of direct feedback and immediate interpretation works well with these clients. It’s also because I work best with aspiring, verbal clients who find me via my posts and who already “agree” with my straightforward approach.
However, there are some aspects of my approach that clients can use if they are aware of how these tips can enhance their treatment and hasten their progress. Here are some points that anyone can use to get the most out of their therapy experience with a therapist.
Here are 10 lasting ways to make a difference in your treatment.
1. Recognize that most of the change happens in the first six months — But it’s not instant either
This is what the outcome studies say, and my clinical experience bears it out. My clients have been told this and temper their expectations accordingly.
You have to work hard for the first 6 months. But I’m not Houdini to him, so don’t expect his first three sessions to cure his years-long battle with depression.
2. If the first few sessions don’t give you any insight, move on
In my first session, I leave the client with ideas about what is happening, how it relates to past history, and how to break the dysfunctional patterns that the client is suffering from. .
You need to build momentum in the first few sessions. If you don’t like me after the first few sessions, you won’t like me. Just like any other therapist. People wait months to see if they click with a therapist, but the types of clicks that result in quick, meaningful change don’t take too long to develop.
3. Read outside the session
We provide clients with relevant books and articles to read between sessions. If you want to speed up your progress, you can’t just work in sessions. here is the list Many of the books I often pull.i also recommend TV program and movies. You can get yourself books and other materials relevant to your situation by reading my blog or doing other research online.
4. Check your ego at the doorstep
There is no real reason to spend money on therapy if you cannot accept feedback from your therapist.
Get free support listening from friends and support groups. Supportive listening is good, but unlikely to lead to rapid or lasting change. Accepting feedback with openness, curiosity and a desire to learn more leads to faster and deeper growth. I myself give a lot of candid feedback from the first session. People who do this well progress fairly quickly afterwards.
5. Be flexible
People tell me they don’t want a divorce, but couples can only work Tuesdays from 6-7pm or every other Thursday, and not when they travel for work. , your schedule needs to be more flexible to accommodate custody schedules and attorney meetings, so you might want to use your lunch break for therapy if you can prevent a divorce.
6. Comes from a place of yes
It offers many interpretations and insights into its association with past behavior. This includes what you have experienced in your family of origin. Granted, not every idea I have, or that other therapists have, hits the mark, but having seen so many clients throughout my career, I can easily see the similarities. So many of them are very useful.
You may use similar cognitive algorithms to work more effectively in your own career. “I get it. I need to think more about it” vs. “No, it’s not. [often this means: This makes me uncomfortable so I want to think it’s not right]’ tracks progress and insight building really quickly.
7. Expected to complete assignments and explain why they didn’t do them
Behavioral assignments are important for changing habits and dynamics, especially for couples.
Don’t tell me you don’t have enough time each week when I tell you to sit near me and take an online quiz together. Once you tell me this, expect to explore it and what it means for your relationship and your overall commitment level. I can tell you that progress will be greatly accelerated.
8. Don’t take yourself too seriously
Related to the ego point above, but more about the grace of laughing at yourself.
The most advanced clients are able to observe themselves and laugh when they are doing things that are clearly unhelpful and contrary to what we are working on. The more I can get over this and view unproductive behavior with humor and objectivity, the faster my clients progress.
9. Don’t skip sessions
Many of my clients are bi-weekly. So if you skip a session, you won’t be able to see me for a month. No progress here. We can understand if you need to cancel, but try to be flexible about schedule changes and generally keep your session time sacred and protected.
10. Last but not least, do not be threatening or mean to your therapist.
Indeed, one of the main benefits of therapy is being able to see how you behave with others. This is called transference, and it means that you begin to act with me, just like in any other intimate relationship.
But some people, often with narcissistic traits, have literally told me they “do not count” because I am a therapist. I am human and if you offend the therapist, me, or anyone else, like any human being, I don’t want to spend any more time with you, or I am afraid to challenge you in the future, etc. can show the reaction of
Then you replicate what you do with others in your life: letting them walk on eggshells while avoiding difficult self-knowledge and growth. If you yell, try to discuss its relevance to your other relationships. If you’re going to continue doing that after exploring, you’ll have to finish the job together. is often found!
my professional site here If you think we are a good fit for you, couples or individuals, please contact me directly for therapy. However, if you are unable to work with me, I hope this post has helped clarify some of the things you might want to look for or try other providers. , I’m left with
Dr. Samantha Rodman Whiten, aka Dr. Psych Mom, is a clinical psychologist in private practice, DrPsychMomShe works with adults and couples in groups to practice Best Life Behavioral Health.
This article was originally published at: Dr. Psycho Mama. Reprinted with permission of the author.
