Behind a Therapist's Door
What happens when you decide to talk to a therapist?
On arriving for a first appointment, you may feel anxious, overwhelmed, discouraged and confused. You may be frustrated, angry, and depressed - a result of being “stuck” in circumstances and behavior patterns that aren’t getting you where you want to be in your life. There may be fear about what might unfold or be discovered in the counselling process.
You will be relieved to find that you will be treated with respect and gentleness. You will not be judged and criticized. You will be listened to with full attention and understanding, and assured that there are answers to your concerns. Sometimes, there is disappointment in the discovery that you will not be saved, fixed or rescued. However, with the help of the therapist, you will discover that some of these answers are within yourself and that there are ideas, attitudes and skills which can be learned.
You will be guided through a process of self-awareness that will result in new insights. You will learn how you can have a positive influence on the lives of others and gain the courage to let go of many of the beliefs that are keeping you dissatisfied and unhappy.
Throughout the sessions you learn that with hard work and guidance desirable changes can be made within yourself and your life. You begin to see that these personal changes have an influence on your environment and on your relationships. Instead of waiting for problems to be solved by shifts in life’s circumstances or changes in other people, you learn to put your primary energy into solving your own problems. You also learn how to avoid taking on other people’s problems as your own.
An important aspect of counselling is learning what to do to continue to grow and move toward desired goals. Eventually, you begin to feel less frustrated and become more expressive, more courageous and more knowledgeable in facing responsibilities.
Counsellors are here to help when life seems unmanageable. As a clinical counsellor, I am privileged to be part of the process by which clients find within themselves the courage and strength to improve their lives and solve many of their problems. I see them embrace new, more hopeful perspectives that lead them to becoming happier and feeling more satisfied.
