The Not-So-Secret-Secret
I’m going to let you in on a secret. Your therapist knows it, too, but they might not have told you yet. I’m going to tell you how to get the most out of therapy. Here’s what your therapist wishes you knew.
As an online therapist and life coach, I’m a huge fan of talk therapy. Talking things through, whether it be in-person or online therapy, is a great way to get some stress off your shoulders, and get some clarity if you’re in a foggy place. You should be able to feel honest and secure when communicating with your therapist. It’s not always selfish to talk about yourself! But just talking about things in therapy won’t change your life–until you begin applying the things you learn in therapy to your life outside of your sessions.
Your Therapist Wishes You Knew that Therapy is a Process
Therapy is a process. It takes time, energy, and hard work to build that inner strength. Look at it this way–if you wanted to lose weight, you could go to a nutritionist, but you won’t actually lose any weight until you put their advice into action (nutrition and mood go hand-in-hand; if your diet needs some work, seeing a nutritionist may not be a bad idea!). Likewise, if you want to improve your mental and emotional health, you might see a life coach, but the bike in your mind won’t go anywhere until you start pedaling.
Your Therapist Wants to See You Become Your Best Self
They want you to be able to love yourself unconditionally. But they can’t make it happen on their own–they need your help!
Consulting a therapist or life coach for personal growth is really not dissimilar to going back to school. You may not like the sound of it, but one of the best ways to improve your emotional intelligence is to do your therapy homework. Therapy homework is the vessel through which we turn all that talk I mentioned earlier into action. If your therapist isn’t currently giving you homework, don’t be shy to ask. But remember, everyone learns differently. If you have tried therapy homework and it didn’t work for you, don’t beat yourself up. You tried, and that’s what matters.
And that’s the secret your therapist wishes you knew. It seems so obvious now that I’ve pointed it out, doesn’t it? As always, if you’d like more love, happiness, and success tips, feel free to visit my Facebook page, or peruse more of our wonderful articles here at Growing Self.
Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby is the founder and clinical director of Growing Self. She is a licensed psychologist, a licensed marriage and family therapist, and a board-certified coach, as well as the author of “Exaholics: Breaking Your Addiction to Your Ex Love,” and the host of The Love, Happiness & Success Podcast.
Therapy Questions, Answered.
Support For Your Growth
Our expert therapists have generously created an entire library of articles, activities, and podcasts to support you on your journey of growth. Please visit our “Happiness Collections” to browse our content collections, and take advantage of all the free resources we have for you. Or, if you’d like to educate yourself about the process and logistics of therapy, please help yourself to our “therapy questions” knowledge base below. It’s all for you!
Therapy Works, But How?
Great therapy can feel like magic, but it’s actually not. Learn how meaningful and effective therapy works.
Do I Need Therapy?
Wondering if your issues going to work themselves out, or is it time to talk to a professional? Here’s how to tell when it’s time for therapy.
What is Therapy Like?
What is therapy like? Learn what happens in therapy in order to feel empowered and confident.
What Kind of Therapist Do I Need?
There are many different kinds of therapists and many different types of therapy. What kind of therapist do you need? Find out!
What To Talk About in Therapy
Not sure what to talk about in therapy? Here are some tips to ensure you get the most out of your therapy sessions.
Therapy Consultation: What to Expect
How to prepare for your first therapy appointment, and learn what to expect in therapy sessions.
Coaching vs Therapy
What’s the difference between coaching and therapy? Find out which approach is right for you.
What is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy?
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is the “gold-standard” of effective, evidence-based therapy. Learn about CBT.
What is Talk Therapy?
How does talking about something help you make changes? Or… does it? Learn the pros and cons of traditional talk therapy.
Why Evidence-Based Therapy Matters
Effective therapy is life-changing, but some therapy is a waste of time and money. Evidence-based therapy makes the difference.
How to Find a (Good) Therapist
Not all therapists are the same. Learn how to find a good therapist (and spot the warning signs of a bad one).
Therapy for Personal Growth
There’s a difference between therapy for ”mental health treatment” and therapy for personal growth. Which is right for you…
Therapy For Healthy Relationships
Working with a true relationship expert helps you learn, grow, love, and be loved. Learn about our approach to helping you build healthy relationships.
Divorce & Breakup Recovery
Losing a relationship is uniquely painful and challenging. With the right support, you can heal, grow, and move forward. Learn about our divorce and breakup recovery services.
Guide to Online Therapy
Online therapy is just as effective but even easier than in person therapy. Here’s what to expect from good online therapy.
Denver Therapist
Explore your options for a Denver therapist who specializes in personal growth and healthy relationships.
How to Get a Therapist
Ready to try therapy? Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to get a therapist who is competent to help you.
Therapy Reviews
Curious to know more about what working with us is really like? Browse Growing Self reviews / “best online therapy reviews” from our clients.
How Much Does Therapy Cost?
Good therapy is priceless, but not all therapy is valuable. Learn the cost of therapy that’s affordable and effective.
Does Insurance Cover Therapy?
Yes, insurance covers therapy… but only sometimes. Learn when (and how) health insurance covers therapy, and when it doesn’t.
Help Someone Get Help
If you have a loved one who is struggling in their relationship, you can help them get help by “gifting” therapy. Here’s how…
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