The Top #9 Truths about counseling, therapy, and psychotherapy in Columbia, MO
Choosing to go to therapy or counseling is a big step. Fortunately, in Columbia, MO, we have many providers. Having all these options will allow you to find a clinician that is a good fit. Knowing what to expect from therapy can help you on your journey and help you take the first steps with confidence.
I want to help you understand therapy and counseling so your journey is the best it can be. It is important to me to see you grow and have the life you deserve to live. A life that reflects you and what you want and need in life. Your journey will always be different from others, but it is worth the effort. I am always here for a free 15-minute phone consultation to talk about your questions about therapy.
Here are some truths about therapy, counseling, and psychotherapy in Columbia, Missouri:
Having a good fit with your therapist or counselor can make a big difference.
Once you understand your WHY for starting therapy, you will want to research the clinicians in your area. No doubt, you will find many clinicians ready to help. Choose three therapists that seem like they are someone you want to interview. Call each of them and talk with them for their free consultation. As you interact with them, you will notice how what they say fits, or doesn’t fit, with how you know you succeed best.
Things you may want in a therapist:
Male or Female
Someone whose age is similar to you or younger than you
A clinician with many years in practice or it may not matter
A therapist who can use a specific treatment that you have read about
Someone who uses a religious focus in therapy that matches yours
Services that fit your financial needs
Counseling can help improve your life.
Once you have your therapist, they will usually complete an assessment with you. During the assessment, the clinician will seek to understand your goal. Your goal will usually reflect your WHY and help the clinician know where you want to change and achieve success. Throughout therapy, your therapist will look toward that goal with you and help you identify areas of change that get you closer to the success you want. Long-lasting positive change usually happens for most people in therapy. During counseling, you will have the time to process your thoughts, behaviors, and strengths, allowing you to have powerful improvements.
Therapy doesn’t last forever and can end when you feel like things are better.
Your therapist wants you to learn during therapy and develop a toolbox you can use when treatment ends. The changes you make during your work will follow you forward as you incorporate them into your life. Your goal for therapy is always different from another person’s goal. Therefore, the length of therapy will always be different. When you meet your goal, it is time to “graduate” and end therapy and take your toolbox with you.
Talking through things helps.
We often don’t get the opportunity to look at our feelings and thoughts and decide how we want our future. Counseling provides a safe place to be open, and it removes many risks of being vulnerable. You won’t have to worry about being judged or belittled for what you say. Much of the healing comes when you hear yourself say what you want and how you feel. You may never have had the quiet safety just to get intuned to yourself and your needs.
Most people in therapy leave with a toolbox of skills and techniques they can use for the rest of their lives.
Throughout your therapy journey, you will gain new insight and skills. As you acquire the skills, you build a “toolbox” that helps you in your future. Sometimes a tool can be knowing what you want and don’t want in your life or a new way of seeing the world. Whatever you develop for your life is a custom tool. A tool you fashioned based on what you need. Because it is yours, it will work just right for you.
Remembering your WHY can help you stay the course and reap the benefits.
In other blogs, I have encouraged readers to write down their 10 reasons for going to therapy. You may want to decrease thoughts or behaviors or gain a new skill. Why are you doing this for YOU? Once you have this list, keep it close and read it often. Reading it each day may even help you keep connected to your WHY. When you feel like therapy is a lot of work or just too much, your WHY list can help you remain grounded. After all, you will be better because you continue your journey.
Sometimes you may feel worse before you feel better.
You may feel optimistic or apprehensive when you start your counseling journey. You expect that you are going to feel better. However, after a few sessions, you may feel the weight of your feelings and situation. This weight may make you feel a bit overwhelmed and bogged down. Feeling somewhat overwhelmed in therapy is sometimes expected. When you feel worse, it can be because you are doing the work to heal. You probably are uncovering things that will help you heal in the end. Keep your WHY list handy and read it often. Work with your therapist to help you keep things in perspective. Stay the course, and it will pay off.
It is never too late to go to counseling.
You are not beyond help. You may feel that your problems are too big and overwhelming, but all change happens one step at a time. Ask yourself: “Am I able to make one small change each day?” Remembering your why can help you have a clearer view of what it is you want to change. You may have to break this down into steps, but isn’t it better to change a little rather than not change?
Online therapy is available, and it works.
Telehealth is readily available and provides you with different options. If you live in a rural or remote area, attending therapy on your smartphone or computer can remove the need to travel. This platform also allows you to see someone that is a better fit for you. Having your sessions online is always a little different. You won’t be in person with your clinician and have to find a private place to have the session. Being online may be worth exploring for your unique situation.
I hope this helps you find the right therapist in Columbia, MO, on your therapy journey. If you are stuck, feel free to call me at 573-238-8575 for your free 15-minute phone consultation. I am always happy to hear how things are going and help you find the right person. If you are a Senior, Caregiver, or Adult with Depression, Anxiety, or Grief, you may read more about how I can help at www.counselingmidmo.co
