Tips on How to Make the Most Out of Short Term Individual Counseling
The following are a few things to bear in mind as you start short-term individual counseling. Remember, this is a process, and approaching it with intention will help you to get the most out of it.
Make sure you have a specific problem or goal in mind
Some problems may seem big at the time, so it is important to focus on the specifics that will enable you to work towards a meaningful change.
Showing up
Try to give yourself time before your appointment, so you can be on time, as it is important for your counselor to get to know the real you.
Counseling is actually a collaboration
This is about giving you the support to help you reach your own conclusions. Counselors can provide encouragement, however, they cannot make your choices for you, or help you to change things. Learning to internalize this will benefit you in the long run, although it can seem challenging at the time.
Being curious
Counseling is all about understanding yourself and how you relate to the world. Ask yourself, which life experiences helped you to behave, think, and feel in certain situations.
Expressing your feelings about counseling during the session
How you feel about your counselor and the entire process is important. Sharing these will give you the opportunity to practice coping skills and relationship-building within a safe environment.
Counseling is hard work
Just like a workout, you may leave your session feeling emotionally drained, do not worry, this is normal. So be sure to practice self-care in between sessions. And if these feelings ever become overwhelming, speak to your counselor about it.
Make sure you are ready to change
In counseling, change means different things, and it is up to you to decide what that the change looks like. Your counselor will be a useful guide, however, ultimately it is down to you to make the changes yourself.
In conclusion, if you would like to learn about the services Dr. Mark Sehl NY Psychotherapist has to offer you, and you live in or around the New York, NY district, please feel free to call us at (212) 228-3467 anytime.