What do you talk about once you start therapy?
“I feel like I’m talking too much.”
Remember, this hour or so with your therapist is your time and your space.
I appreciate you listening.
I am working on identifying the most important points to share with you."
“Rather than apologizing, pause and breathe.
“I’m the worst.
I didn’t do my homework.”
Maybe you had a difficult time managing your time that week or struggled to understand its importance.
Perhaps the task was such a challenge that a smaller step first would be better.
You might even suggest doing the task during your actual therapy session, if possible.
Therapy is your space, and you are the leader of your growth and change.
A homework assignment is optional in many cases and provided to help enhance your work in therapy.
Your therapist isn’t judging you and it is not helpful to judge yourself.
“I’m sorry for my emotions.”
You never need to apologize to your therapist for having a lot of emotions or some intense emotions.
Your therapist is there to hear those feelings and help you work through them.
“It is OK to express emotions.
Your therapist is trained to help people and guide them to a better place.”
“I always just talk about myself.”
But that is what therapy is for - to give you a place to focus just on yourself.
Remember, this is your space and your time to heal and learn.
The very point is to talk about yourself.
“I can’t believe I told you that!”
“A client might feel embarrassed by information they shared in the session or previous session.
This embarrassment can leave them feeling uncomfortable and distressed,' says Battistin.
Think of it this way: Therapy is your stage, and you are the playwright.
“Therapy won’t work for me.”
The good news is that you’re there, and youve begun this life-long journey.
This allows your therapist to understand your mindset and better help you work through it to find success.
Just because you’re skeptical doesn’t mean therapy won’t eventually help you.
These include:
However, violent emotions and urges should absolutely be addressed.
They should also cultivate a space where you feel empowered to be open.
A good therapist relationship is one where you feel respected, safe, and important.
This can take practice and time, so be patient and give yourself grace.
2020;11:591146. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2020.591146
American Psychological Association.Ethical Principles and Code of Conduct.
Goldfried MR.What should we expect from psychotherapy?Clinical Psychology Review.2013;33(7):862-869. doi:10.1016/j.cpr.2013.05.003
