What therapy looks like, it is NOT laying on a couch!

Many people avoid therapy as they are not exactly sure what to expect. I remember my first images of therapy, you know the ones! There was the therapist sitting in a chair on one side of the room, clipboard and pencil in hand looking at the person on the couch. The key question was always “and how did that make you feel?” and the therapist usually making strange sounds as if they were not quite sure you were being forthcoming. Yes, that was my first image of therapy and who would want to willingly do that?? NOT ME

Let me give you some updated images of what therapy isn’t, and what therapy is. Therapy is not laying on the couch, it is so much more (and with doing virtual sessions you get to pick your own seat!) Therapy isn’t a place where people have constant “big breakthroughs” which lead to a lot of crying. I already mentioned that key question of “and how does that make you feel?” and my personal dislike of it. And lastly, therapy is not us giving you advice. (I believe that was Lucy’s job from Charlie Brown)

Now, let me tell you what therapy IS.

Therapy IS slowly building trust and a solid therapeutic relationship. It is important to feel that you and your therapist are a good fit, you want to feel comfortable talking to them and you want to feel a mutual respect between the two of you.

Therapy IS unpacking things that you haven’t addressed before, that’s the magic of therapy

Therapy IS occasionally feeling as though you have absolutely nothing to talk about

Therapy IS usually saying something SUPER important about 5 minutes before the end of your sessions (this happens so many times, you would be surprised)

Therapy IS sometimes crying, sometimes laughing, and sometimes neither one

Therapy IS a space where you will gain a new perspective

Therapy IS being gently challenged by your therapist and then hoping that you are their favorite or funniest client (yes, even though there are sometimes where you will not even feel like talking to your therapist because sometimes we do say things that you may not want to hear)

Therapy IS understanding yourself better and noticing patterns between sessions

Therapy IS being supported while you discover and become the best version of yourself that you can be

One of these days I am going to make a bigger collection of what therapy IS and IS NOT, but for today I think this is a great start.

Stay tuned as I am working on a couple of things for upcoming blogs including exploring the new world of AI and the benefits and downfalls of it relating to mental health. I am also hoping to offer real insight on the effect of screen time on mental health including kids and adults.

Send me a message if there is ever a therapeutic topic you would like to learn more about.