Series: "What I Wish I had Known Before Beginning Therapy"
All the links to series posts in one easy-to-find location!
Over the next week, you will receive posts that include all the links in the series I have published. This is in part a review and also helps those who have recently joined to access any series they may have missed. This is the second post and each one will be added under the new Substack Series tab. As each series is completed, it will be removed from the main menu and this will be a way to locate it.
Series: “What I Wish I had Known Before Beginning Therapy”
This series has been organized as a resource outline based on prominent questions I have been asked about therapy. The section on trauma-based therapy is being expanded into a separate series and will be included when completed. Those posts are currently under the Brave Survivor menu tab.
It has been almost ten years since I walked into therapy for the first time. My story of healing is in my first book, BRAVE: Healing Childhood Trauma. When I walked into the therapy office, I knew absolutely nothing about trauma, how to heal, or where to find resources. The availability of resources has changed dramatically in these few years, but they are seldom written from the perspective of the survivor who sits on the couch. I really don’t feel warm and fuzzy when referred to as “the client” in a resource. I am so much more than that and so are you. We are brave survivors!
Yet healing can feel lonely, frightening, abnormal (it isn’t), and messy. I hope this resource is helpful to you—it is certainly what I longed to have as I healed.
Note: All information and resources presented in these newsletters are drawn from my personal story and do not replace professional psychological care for mental health issues. My legal and ethical advice is always to seek professional help.
What Do I Need to Know Before I Begin Therapy?
It's Okay to Seek Help: Know that it's okay to seek help and that doing so is a sign of strength, not weakness. Therapy can provide valuable support and guidance as you navigate life's challenges.
Second Guessing Beginning Therapy is Normal
Confidentiality: Understand the limits and expectations of confidentiality in therapy. Your therapist is bound by ethical guidelines to keep your information confidential, with some exceptions such as if you pose a danger to yourself or others.
Why is Protection So Important?
What to Do I Need to Understand During Initial Sessions?
Therapeutic Relationship: Building a good relationship with your therapist is crucial for the success of therapy. It's okay to shop around and find a therapist you feel comfortable with.
When is a Therapist a Good Fit?
Communication: Open and honest communication with your therapist is key. Don't hesitate to voice your concerns, ask questions, or provide feedback about your therapy experience.
The Thing Probably Isn’t the Thing
I Knew What Everyone was Thinking
Emotions are Valid: It's normal to experience a range of emotions during therapy, including discomfort, sadness, or anger. These emotions are valid and can be explored safely in therapy.
Self-Control is not the same as Self-Regulation
Knowing How to Ground Yourself will be Helpful
Knowing How to Breathe will be Helpful
What Do I Need to Do Between Therapy Sessions?
Self-Reflection: Therapy often involves self-reflection and introspection. Being open to examining your thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors can lead to personal growth.
What Happened the Day You were Born?
What Do “Mother Issues” Really Mean?
How Do We Grieve Childhood Trauma?
Homework and Practice: Your therapist may assign homework or suggest practices to do outside of sessions. These exercises are designed to help you apply what you've learned in therapy to real-life situations.
Healing Doesn’t Always Feel that Great
What My Brain Needed While Healing
Why is it so Hard to Tell Our Stories?
Self-Care: Therapy is a tool for personal growth, but it's also important to practice self-care outside of sessions. This can include activities that help you relax, manage stress, and maintain overall well-being.
Why Was I So Clueless about Self-Care?
What is Self-Compassion and Why Will I Need it?
Why is it Important to Shake it off?
How Long is this Going to Take Me?
Therapy is a Process: Understand that therapy is not a quick fix. It's a journey that takes time and commitment.
This is Going to Take Some Time
Progress Isn't Linear: Progress in therapy is not always linear. There may be ups and downs along the way, and that's okay. Celebrate small victories and be patient with yourself during setbacks.