I love my clients. I’m sort of “close” to many of them. I have one client who I’ve been seeing for about a year. I’ve watched her build stronger relationships with friends and family. I’ve watched her grow emotionally; I’ve watched her triumphs and losses. I’ve watched her depressive and anxious episodes decrease. I’ve watched her bounce back from major work and marriage issues. I’ve watched her grow. We’ll call her Michelle.
How Michelle made the most out of therapy:
1. She attended all sessions. When she could not make it she quickly alerted me and rescheduled.
2. She showed up on time. Even early!
3. She completed assignments.
4. She kept a journal.
5. She read the books that I recommended.
6. She stepped out of her comfort zone.
7. She took the risks.
8. She was open to a new perspective.
So before you come to therapy, ask yourself:
1. “Am I really ready to embark on some type of change related to how I think and behave?”
2. “Am I amenable to constructive criticism?”
3. “Am I really ready to give 100%?”
4. “Am I being defensive or open?,” and finally
5. “Do I really want to GET RID of my problems?”
