What You Should Expect From Counseling

Published on August 17th, 2015

Updated on March 12th, 2022

If you’ve found yourself at Find A Therapist, you are most likely considering the potential benefits of counseling. Taking that step can feel intimidating and unsettling-like you are admitting to yourself and the world that something is “wrong” with you. While some may judge a person who uses mental health services negatively, the opposite is actually true. Recognizing and accepting the need for mental health support is the first step toward improving your situation. And, it is a courageous step.

Developing an effective therapeutic relationship can provide challenges to both therapist and client. With that in mind, beginning counseling sessions with realistic expectations helps to create an environment of success.

3 Things To Expect From Counselingg:

1. Expect to feel safe physically, emotionally, and financially. Safety is about trust.

Physical safety is straightforward. Still, some clients have been sexually or physically abused and these experiences can result in bodily reactions during sessions. You need to feel comfortable in the therapist’s office. Emotional safety is connected to physical safety. If one is in physical danger, she is most likely in emotional danger. You need to feel that whatever you share in therapy is protected and respected. Confidentiality is key to creating emotional safety.

2. Expect to get out of therapy what you are willing to invest in it.

Therapy is work and requires effort, but the potential results are worth the time you give to it. Therapists are not magicians. They cannot sprinkle pixie dust over you and instantly give you a problem-free life. The very notion is a fairy tale. So, prepare yourself in the beginning to participate in your own healing.

Do your homework, if your counselor assigns it. Make a commitment to yourself that you will take time alone to write, reflect, go to inpatient treatment, take your medication, or address unhealthy relationships.

When you reach your goals, your progress belongs solely to you!

3. Expect that therapy will end.

I know, you really like your therapist and it’s sometimes difficult to end a relationship that has resulted in personal growth. Still, counseling should come to a close as your progress is realized. In the first few sessions, you and your therapist should prioritize your goals, create specific objectives, and formulate action steps to attain them.

It’s easy to become comfortable in a counseling routine, but part of developing a healthier perspective is understanding life’s limits and trusting oneself with life’s challenges. Of course, there are those in need of long-term therapy due to traumatic experiences or pervasive mental illness.

Healing occurs differently for each person and according to her readiness. Just as it is important to seek therapy when needed, it is equally important to end it when the work is completed.

Therapy can provide clients with many benefits. Outcomes may include improved stress handling, more fulfilling relationships, better physical health, less anxiety and depression, and improved life functioning. Improving one’s life experience is a therapist’s reward. After all, “The best project you’ll ever work on, is you!”