Hello my beautiful friend.
Jumping right in, some of you know I have been going to therapy for a couple years. I have seen a few therapists, the first one I saw in high school and we were not a good match at all. I didn't go to therapy again until after my Bachelor's.
My therapist I see now is so lovely. This post is partially inspired by her because she has been instrumental in my mental health the past year.
Tip #1 Take notes
If you’re not into writing too much maybe use post it’s & you can write quick sentences or even themes or keywords that resonate with you during your sessions.
If you are into writing or journaling bring a notepad, pen, and let yourself be creative. I usually just like to write specific things, advice or affirmations my therapist says (or less frequently, my own insights). Yet, another way you could use engage is to write your own notes/feelings down, and direct your session that way- Similar to a stream of consciousness or brain dump. Also if you are very fidgety you could draw or doodle during your session.
Tip #2 Timing
If you fall into a season of putting off your therapy appointments, give yourself a break. Recently I took a break that ended up lasting a bit over a month. I could have given myself a hard time for delineating from my usual schedule (& I did a little bit) but who would that help?
If part of you doesn’t want to go back, then a part of you isn’t ready to. It’s okay, therapy is not going anywhere, & you’ll have therapists to connect with when you’re ready again. . .
I think it’s better to take a break and breathe, let your time be filled with other priorities for a bit, & then come back when your heart is really in it. (This is probably bad advice for someone going through a deep crisis or people completing mandated sessions. Stick with your therapy if the structure is what you truly need. Anyway, you know your situation best.)
I can tell you when I got back after my break, I was so excited. Mostly to see my therapist, but also to get back to work. I had a renewed spirit & renewed commitment to myself.
My mindful of your timing, so that your therapy sessions/schedule work for you & help you to be healthier, more grounded, more grateful 🫶🏽🫶🏽🫶🏽
Therapy should add to our lives (always).
Tip #3 Ask
Don’t be afraid to ask for more help! As I write this I had a session today. Usually our sessions consist of current events in my life, & then of course we also talk about past experiences and my inner child. I was able to hold a lot of space for my inner child today and it was uncomfortable but also freeing (specially in my chest/heartspace, I felt a newfound feeling of lightness and space). I was able to hear from my inner child and receive what she had to say. In a way that defied logic, I was able to receive her deeper feelings. Mentally I rejected her belief, but physically I felt it in every cell, that it was her truth.
At the end of the session, I felt so aligned with my soul, I instantly had a feeling of fear because I didn’t want to lose this progress, this feeling, this awareness & peace of self. In my sessions with my therapist, I often feel peace of mind, even talking through deep pain: this is supported by the space that she (my therapist) is able to hold for me.
At the end of our session, I asked for homework to be able to incorporate this awareness. I have never asked my therapist for homework ever before. If you feel personally called to, please ask your therapist or counselor for homework if there’s something you need more support with.
If you don’t want to ask for homework (I completely understand) I do invite you to ask more questions in your counseling sessions.
Ask for their insight. Ask if you need a minute to breathe, or to meditate during your sessions. Ask if they have any specific guidance that they can offer, in your specific circumstances. Ask for resources that you assume they can’t provide, ask anyway and see what other wisdom they can provide or who they can recommend to you.
Ask them whatever you want.
Just ask.
That’s all from me for now 🥰
I really hope you enjoyed this read & you’re able to use these tips in your own life.
Sending you a world of love,
Abby Blue
Blue Wellness
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