So you’ve finally decided to try this thing called therapy? Congratulations!
That first step of reaching out to a professional for support can be terrifying. If you’re an over thinker like me, then it might help to have an idea of what to expect from your counselling sessions.
First off, a good Counsellor will do anything they can to help you feel comfortable. You don’t have to do or say anything that you aren’t ready to. There is no ‘right’ way to do therapy if it works for you then that is the way to do it!
You also probably wont be laying down on a couch. I know this is the stereotype we see in movies but the odds are that your Counsellor will be sitting across from you so you can look at each other and feel connected. But this doesn’t mean you have to maintain eye contact for the whole session. It is totally okay to fidget and look around, you are opening up about the deepest parts of yourself so it’s bound to feel a bit icky at times. You also might attend therapy virtually or even over the phone. This can give you the opportunity to remain in a comfortable setting.
Therapy doesn’t have to be serious all the time! Some sessions may be silly or lighthearted and this is also okay! It is normal for counselling to dip in and out of deeper work, this is part of the process. We can’t be working through our trauma 100% of the time. Plus its important to be able to appreciate the good times as they come around. Your therapist appreciates a good meme or TikTok just as much as you do!
Your Counsellor isn’t perfect. They are also only human. They don’t have all the answers and sometimes they might say the wrong thing. You are allowed to call them out on it! This is your session to work on you, so if you don’t like something then speak up. I know this can be absolutely terrifying but it is worth it to be able to have a therapeutic relationship that is actually beneficial to you.
Not every counsellor is the right one for you. You might have to try a few before you find a good fit. But don’t be disheartened! I can promise you that it is worth it when you find someone who you truly connect with. Don’t be afraid to ask for a referral to a different therapist that may be better suited to your specific wants and needs.
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