Wrapping Up the "What I Wish I had Know Before Beginning Therapy" Series

A Summary of the Brave Survivor Series!

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What I Wish I had Know Before Beginning Therapy" Series

This series has probably been my favorite! Yet, all good things must come to an end—or they become too unwieldily to complete my ultimate plan which was to develop a stand-alone resource. I began by asking ChatGPT the question, “What do clients with they had known before beginning therapy?” While I have added and deleted, it has remained open on my computer as a general guide since March 7th. I will likely adapt and add as I create the stand-alone resource, but this will remain as a placeholder on the thread for easy access until then.

The Resource Outline

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.

Welcome to Brave Survivors

What is Trauma-Based Therapy?

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?

Was I Impacted by Neglect?

How Do We Grieve Childhood Trauma?

Can Attachment Wounds Heal?

When Trauma Marries 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.

Didn’t I Already Work Through this?

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.