Client Insight: “I wish I had known that about therapy”
Today we’re sharing three common comments we hear from clients. Often, after we’ve been working with a client for a while, we begin to hear that being in therapy has proved positive in surprising ways!
1. I wish I had started taking care of my mental health sooner.
It is so easy to distract yourself from what you are really feeling—with work, your family, with food. Often it takes a big moment or event that is a tipping point for people to finally invest in supporting their mental health. It is scary to ask for help or admit that you’re not doing ok! While many wish they had started opening up sooner, you have to decide if you are ready to dig deep and start to make changes. Remember: support for your mental health doesn’t have to be formal in-person therapy; even taking small steps to support your mental health will be beneficial. You can start by setting boundaries with others, getting out for a walk regularly, or even just reading in the sunshine.
2. I wish I had known not all therapists or courses would be a good fit for me.
Clicking with your therapist is so important! In a session you want to be able to be honest about any and everything that comes up for you, and you can only do that if you’ve built trust and a sort of friendship with your therapist. Therapy by its nature is uncomfortable, but if you’ve gone through a few sessions with a therapist and feel in your gut that you are holding back information or like it isn’t a judgement-free space, find another person to work with or course to try. Don’t get discouraged if it takes a few tries to find the right option!
3. I wish I had known how safe I'd feel during a session.
Once you’ve found the right therapist, attending regular sessions, even if they are online, can feel like a space where you can drop the masks you put on to get through your day-to-day life. The “I’m fine” mask, the “happy to work over the weekend” mask, the “I’m enjoying every second of motherhood” mask. You can be completely yourself and vulnerable. This often takes clients by surprise as, for so long, therapy seems like something that will always be uncomfortable and challenging. And remember: online sessions can be just as effective (or more so if they lessen your anxiety around getting to and from the appointment, being on time, the cost, etc.)! Setting aside time and seeing a friendly and sympathetic face can automatically help calm emotions.
No matter if you take big or small steps for your mental health, do online or in-person therapy sessions, create your own list as to what you need to feel supported and empowered!
💛 Your peace awaits.
