5 TIPS for a Successful #Counseling or #Psychotherapy Experience.

5 TIPS for a successful #counseling or #psychotherapy experience

Tip No. 1 - Consistency

Many people believe that they can just stop by their counselor's office every few months and this will be enough. However, this is not the case. #Counseling requires consistent attendance usually weekly to be the most effective. In some cases twice a week might be required. Some types of #therapy such as #psychoanalysis requires at least 3 times per week attendance. While #counseling styles and theories vary and some #counseling theories focus on behavioral changes or the use of specific techniques, as mentioned earlier #counseling or #psychotherapy is first and foremost an introspective process which depends on how you feel or experience your relationship with your #counselor or #psychotherapist. It’s difficult to develop a meaningful therapeutic relationship with someone who you see once every 6 months.

Tip No. 2 - Honesty

If you’re not going to be honest with your #counselor then there really is no need to go to #counseling. Being honest in #counseling can sometimes be quite difficult but you need to talk with your #counselor about these difficulties so that s/he can help you figure out what’s going on for you. For example, if you’re afraid of flying and you don’t tell your #counselor this information how is s/he going to help you? They cannot.

Tip No. 3 - Likability

Find a #therapist that you like. Most #therapists today have a website with information about their training, style of work and the types of problems for which clients see them. Most #therapists have pictures of themselves on their websites and many people look at the pictures and make a decision if that person seems like someone they might be able to work with. Don’t let the pictures be your only guide though. Give the #therapist a call and talk with her/him for a few minutes. Most therapists provide a free brief phone conversation usually up to 15 minutes.

Tip No. 4 - Accessibility

Ideally your #counselor should have an office near where you work or live. Sometimes this is not always possible if you live in a more suburban or rural area. Try not to set yourself up for failure by selecting a #counselor who is a 2 hour drive away or only has 7am appointment unless this appointment time truly works for you. Don’t be afraid to change #counselors if you find that the #counselor is not being helpful to you. You can usually tell by the 5th or 6th session if it’s working or not. However, I would encourage you to talk with your #counselor before you fire him or her to give the #counselor an opportunity to make any corrective actions. Of course, if you’re constantly changing #counselors you may want to think about that and make that a priority with your next #counselor.

Tip No. 5 - Professionalism

Your #counselor should be respectful of you and you should feel respected while working with a #counselor. Your #counselor or #psychotherapist should never call you names, laugh at you, demean you, insult you or anything else that would be inappropriate. Although seen in movies and on TV, it is rare that a #counselor has sex with clients but just in case, you should not be having sex with your #counselor. Your #counselor should explain to you their office policies including cancellation policy. Do not be surprised when these policies are enforced.