Therapy isn’t like sitting on the couch at home and discussing your problems with your friends. It’s different. For one thing, therapy sessions tend to be longer, and you’ll probably meet with your therapist at least once a week if not more often. If you’re new to therapy or you’ve never been to therapy before, here are some tips for how to prepare for a session with your therapist so that your time together in any drug addiction rehab facilities Lexington ky will be as effective as possible.
Make Sure You Feel Comfortable
When you’re talking about your feelings and experiences, it’s easy to feel vulnerable. Make sure you’re somewhere that makes you feel safe and supported—for example, your therapist’s office or a space where you can talk in private. It’s important that there be no distractions; turn off your phone and put it out of sight. The same goes for laptops, tablets, TVs… If other people can see what you have on your screen, they might be able to see what you’re working on. You don’t want anything or anyone interfering with your therapy session! You should also know that therapy is an intensive process: People usually have more than one appointment per week as well as several visits from their depression Lexington ky therapist between sessions.
Be Prepared
Research your therapist’s style beforehand. Write down questions and topics that are important to you before your session begins. If you come prepared, it also makes it easier for your therapist to focus on what’s most important. (i.e.: drug addiction rehab facilities Lexington ky) If you don’t know where to start, look at areas in your life where you would like help; issues related to stress, anxiety, work performance or relationships might be good places to start.
Choose Your Therapist Carefully
Choose your therapist carefully; you don’t want to end up in sessions that are counterproductive. Sometimes, it is helpful to work with two therapists at once—one that specializes in addiction and one that specializes in depression or PTSD, etc. Working with a team of therapists who all have different skill sets can be helpful if your trauma affects more than one area of your life.
Avoid Self-Blame
Blaming yourself is incredibly common in drug addiction rehab facilities, but it’s not helpful. For example, I shouldn’t have gotten into that fight at work; I was drunk and started yelling. That’s why I got fired. On some level, you know that you wouldn’t have acted like that if you hadn’t been drinking—but believing that doesn’t help your situation much either. So try to focus on what happened (the what), rather than who or what you think is responsible (the who or what). It’s not about blaming yourself; it’s about trying to understand what happened so you can move forward in your life. If self-blame does rear its head, let it go.
Make An Appointment
If you’re unsure how to find help, start by looking at your local phone book or online directories. If it’s easier, you can visit mental health professionals in person. Once you’ve set up an appointment, make sure you schedule enough time so that it’s easy for both of you to relax and focus. You might even ask if there are other patients that could see their therapist at the same time as you are—that way, everyone will have more privacy.
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