What I Wish I Knew Before Starting Therapy
A client came into the office for the first time. She was looking around the room searching for something. I asked, “What are you looking for?” She retorted, “Where is your magic wand?” My magic wand client is not alone in feeling this way. Many of my first-time clients come to me with various reasons therapy has not worked for them in the past, and understandably feel as though their problems are insurmountable through therapy. If you feel some of these reservations, know that you aren’t alone. To help overcome this barrier, I surveyed my current clients to try to gather some anecdotal evidence that therapy doesn’t have to be so bad, and really can work. The prompt?
What I wish I knew before I started therapy:
That I didn’t have to wait until I couldn’t live with my brain anymore
That I didn’t assume that my first therapist would be the perfect match for my needs
That I could find forgiveness for myself
That I could find myself for the first time
That I didn’t have to be scared of what would a therapist think of me.
I wish I knew what a difference it makes which is easier than living with it for years. It sure beats the alternative of drinking, sleepless nights, nightmares, racing thoughts.
Finding the right therapist is key. Otherwise, you might give up too soon after being frustrated with not a good fit.
I have all I need to heal from the past.
If I loved myself more, I would see the world differently.
I wish I realized how much of what I was struggling with was trauma related. All the trial and error of going to different therapists through the years did keep me alive but when I finally addressed the trauma, I found true healing.
What I was able to take away from these conversations was that many of my clients have never felt comfortable truly opening up about the troubles that afflict them. This realization has been helpful in shaping how I approach work, allowing me to place a high degree of importance on making clients feel comfortable and understood. So, what are you searching for in therapy? It may not be as simple as a wave of a wand, but it can give you a place to be finally heard and understood.
Now that outcome is priceless!