4 Things to Ask Yourself Before Starting Therapy
Photo by Markus Spiske via Unsplash
Starting therapy can be overwhelming. While navigating the logistics of accessing care, sometimes our biggest hurdle can be our own mental and emotional readiness. Therapy often brings up unresolved issues and can be challenging to address if not in the right headspace.
Below are four questions that can guide you in mentally preparing for therapy.
What are my reasons for starting therapy?
Start by reflecting on your sense of self, relationships, school, job, and overall stressors can be good areas to start; you can consider these factors within your past, present, and possible future. Take stock of what comes up-write them down, say them out loud, do whatever helps you better understand what areas you need support with.
What are my thoughts, expectations, fears, and hopes around therapy?
Therapy may not “solve” your problems or remove stressors, but it can support you in coping or changing your perspective.
Ask yourself a few questions to home in on your feelings about therapy: Did you or someone you know get therapy before? Is it culturally acceptable to go to therapy? Does going to therapy mean I’m weak? It’s normal to feel different things based on your experiences when it comes to therapy; take some time to reflect on this.
What qualities in a therapist would make me feel safe?
Gender, specialization, race/ethnicity, overall methodology/approach (i.e. more or less structured, homework, etc.) are all important factors to consider when it comes to choosing someone as a therapist. Therapy involves establishing a clinical relationship and feeling safe enough to be vulnerable with another person.
Am I willing and ready?
Therapy is all about commitment. To get the most out of therapy, you have to be a willing participant, especially when it feels uncomfortable and difficult.
Are you ready for therapy to be part of your life now? Ultimately, there is no right or wrong answer on timing as long as you’re realistic about what you want.