Nervous About Starting Therapy? Here Are 5 Tips to Help You Navigate the Journey
Starting therapy can be a daunting task, often accompanied by feelings of apprehension and uncertainty. Whether it's your first time seeking therapy or a return after a hiatus, the prospect of opening up to a stranger about your innermost thoughts and emotions can evoke a range of emotions. However, it's important to recognize that seeking therapy is a courageous step towards self-discovery and healing. To help ease your nerves and make the most out of your therapy experience, consider the following tips:
Normalize Your Feelings of Anxiety:
Feeling anxious about starting therapy is entirely normal and understandable. You're venturing into uncharted territory, confronting aspects of yourself that may have been ignored or suppressed for some time. Recognizing and acknowledging these feelings can be the first step in alleviating some of the pressure you may be experiencing. As the American Psychological Association (APA) suggests, acknowledging and accepting your emotions can help you approach therapy with a more open mind and heart.
Research Different Therapists and Approaches:
Finding the right therapist is crucial for a successful therapy journey. Our Florida based therapists at Exhale Counseling Center are amazing and offer telehealth therapy for anxiety, depression, trauma, and couples counseling. Take the time to research different therapists in your area and explore their specialties, treatment approaches, and client reviews. If you’re outside of Florida you can use Therapist Search Made Simple: it’s a nationwide online directory that helps you find a therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist.
Additionally, it’s helpful to consider what qualities are important to you in a therapist, such as empathy, expertise in certain issues, or compatibility of therapeutic approach. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) recommends reaching out to trusted sources for referrals and conducting thorough research to find a therapist who meets your specific needs and preferences.
Set Realistic Expectations:
It's essential to set realistic expectations for your therapy journey and understand that progress may take time. Therapy is not a quick fix, and meaningful change often requires patience, persistence, and commitment. As the Mayo Clinic advises, approach therapy with an open mind and a willingness to explore and grow, while also understanding that setbacks and challenges may arise along the way. By setting realistic expectations, you can approach therapy with a more balanced perspective and avoid unnecessary disappointment.
Establish Open Communication with Your Therapist:
Building a strong therapeutic relationship is key to the success of therapy. From the outset, prioritize open and honest communication with your therapist. Be transparent about your goals, concerns, and any reservations you may have about the therapeutic process. Creating a safe and supportive environment for open dialogue can foster trust and collaboration between you and your therapist. According to the American Counseling Association (ACA), effective communication is essential for establishing rapport and facilitating meaningful therapeutic change.
Practice Self-Compassion and Patience:
Embarking on a journey of self-discovery and healing can be challenging, and it's important to practice self-compassion along the way. Be kind and gentle with yourself as you navigate the ups and downs of the therapeutic process, and remember that healing is a gradual and nonlinear journey. As the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) emphasizes, self-compassion involves treating yourself with kindness and understanding, especially during times of difficulty or distress. By practicing self-compassion and patience, you can cultivate a greater sense of resilience and well-being as you progress through therapy.
Finally, remember that starting therapy can be a transformative and empowering experience, despite the initial feelings of anxiety and apprehension. By normalizing your feelings, researching therapists, setting realistic expectations, establishing open communication, and practicing self-compassion, you can navigate the therapy journey with greater confidence and resilience. Therapy is a valuable tool for personal growth and healing, and you deserve to invest in your well-being.
Exhale Counseling Center- Who Are We?
Exhale Counseling Center offers online mental health counseling for those in Florida. Our therapists specialize in treating anxiety, depression, trauma healing, and couples therapy.
With years of experience and a caring team of mental health professionals we’re here to walk alongside you and help you improve your mental health and overall wellbeing.
