Many people, especially those who are unfamiliar with therapy, come to their first session expecting the experience to cause them to feel better immediately. In some situations, this is absolutely the case! But in others, the start of therapy can be a more complicated process. There are a few reasons as to why this could be the case for you.
Brings Up Difficult Thoughts and Emotions
Most intakes when a person is just beginning therapy involve some kind of psychological assessment and gathering of past history. Though we take care to remind our clients that they are under no obligation to share things with us (we might be mental health professionals, but we are still strangers at this point!), the more information we have, the better we can do our job.
Given this, just bringing up and talking about your past psychological history can bring up a myriad of emotions. This is a normal and natural part of the therapeutic process, and your provider will be able to help you manage the emotions that are brought up by doing so.
Exploring These Thoughts and Emotions More Deeply
Beyond just asking about history, your therapist will likely ask you to consider what you were and are thinking and feeling in the past and in the present. Diving deeper to confront these feelings is a very rewarding, but often difficult process. By doing so you may find yourself having a different perspective, simply by exploring them in the presence of a trained professional.
Approaching Situations Differently, Learning New Behaviors
By engaging with your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in a new way, certain levels of discomfort and anxiety may arise. Humans by nature are not the fondest of change, so it can be difficult to intentionally work towards it, no matter how much we think it may be good for us. Our past behavioral patterns worked to some degree, making us resistant to doing things differently. Though it is absolutely worth it, these processes can be difficult. It does get easier.
We at Compassionate Healing would be happy to explore this with you. If we can be of any further assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out via phone, email, or the contact form on the website.
Comments