When it comes to therapy, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. The best way to get the most out of your therapy sessions is to find a therapist that you feel comfortable with and that you feel is a good fit for you. You should also be honest with your therapist about your goals for therapy and what you hope to achieve. It is also important to be open-minded and willing to try new things. Therapy can be a great way to learn more about yourself, improve your mental health, and develop healthy coping skills. However, it is important to keep in mind that therapy takes time and effort. If you are patient and committed to the process, you can develop a strong relationship with your therapist and achieve lasting results.

Here are 7 tips on how to get the most out of therapy

1. Be Honest: In order to get the most out of therapy, it's important to be honest with your therapist. You are encouraged to share whatever is on your mind - even if you aren’t sure how relevant or “helpful” the thoughts are. If you're feeling hesitant or uncomfortable with therapy, try to share how you are feeling and why you are feeling that way. If something is really bothering you, tell your therapist so they can help you work through it. Remember, therapy is a safe space for you to explore your thoughts and feelings. The therapist’s primary role is to provide you with support and guide your healing and self-learning, which means nothing is off the table. So, be honest and open, and you'll be on your way to a better understanding of yourself.
   

2. Do your homework: Most therapists will assign exercises for you to do between therapy sessions. These activities are designed to help you practice what you are learning and facilitate your growth and progress.
   

3. Be open-minded: Many people view therapy as a last resort, something to be tried only when all other options have failed. However, therapy can be an incredibly effective way to improve mental health, regardless of the severity of the problem. In fact, therapy can help people with a wide range of issues, from anxiety and depression to relationship difficulties and trauma. Therapists are trained to listen attentively and offer impartial support, helping people to identify and work through the issues that are causing them distress. As a result, therapy can be a powerful tool for anyone who is struggling to cope with life's challenges. So if you're feeling lost or overwhelmed, consider giving therapy a try. With an open mind and a willingness to work hard, you may be surprised at the progress you can make.
   

4. Be patient: Change takes time and therapy is no exception. It is important to be patient and commit to the process in order to see results. Therapy is a journey, not a sprint to the finish line. It takes time to heal and overcome long-term challenges.
   

5. Attend regularly: In order to make the most of therapy, it is important to maintain consistent attendance. The process of self-exploration, self-learning, growing, healing, and changing can be difficult and emotionally draining. There may be times that you don’t feel like going. Know that this is normal and also that it is important to attend even when you don’t want to. Missed sessions disrupt the process and progress of the treatment. Absence may also impact the development of the relationship with your therapist, which is critical to growth and healing.
   

6. Follow through with your therapist’s recommendations: The journey to mental wellness is not always an easy one, but it is worth it. When you first start your therapy sessions, you may be feeling lost, confused, stuck, and/or hopeless about the future. However, with time and commitment, you can begin to feel empowered and in control again. One of the most important things you can do to support your progress is to follow through with your therapist’s recommendations. This may include attending regular appointments, participating in therapy groups, or doing between-session exercises. Growth and healing is an active process that requires work and commitment.
   

7. Be honest about your progress: It can be incredibly difficult to gauge your progress in therapy, but it's important to be honest and transparent with your therapist. Some days, it may feel like you're making strides and finally discovering the root of your problems. On other days, it may feel like you're right back where you started. Being honest about how you are feeling can help your therapist guide you in the right direction and give you the support you need. Additionally, being honest about your struggles can be a powerful form of self-acceptance and help you in your healing process. 

Committing to therapy is one of the most courageous things you can do, and it has the potential to change your life for the better. In your therapy sessions, you will learn to understand and accept yourself, set boundaries, manage stress, and develop healthy coping mechanisms and see personal growth. You will also gain insight into your relationships, work through past traumas, and build a foundation for a happy and fulfilling future.  If you give it time, energy, and commitment, therapy can help you achieve your goals and create lasting positive change in your life.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many therapy sessions does it take to get better?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The number of therapy sessions it will take to get better depends on the nature of the problem and the individual's ability to work through it. In general, however, most people experience increased hopefulness about improvement just after just a few sessions. The key is to find the right therapist that you feel comfortable with and who is able to help you address the root of your struggles Once you have established a rapport with your therapist and have started making progress, you will likely find that each subsequent session builds on the last, leading to continuous improvement. Ultimately, how many therapy sessions you need is something that will be determined by you and your therapist. But rest assured, with commitment and effort, therapy can be an effective tool for change.

When is the right time to start therapy?

The answer to this question is different for everyone.  For some people, they seek treatment when they are struggling with a specific issue, such as depression or anxiety.  Others may choose to begin therapy as a way to proactively work on personal growth and self-improvement.  The most important thing is to be honest with yourself and seek out a therapist if you feel that you need someone that will listen to you and provide you with support and guidance. 

About Groundwork Therapy in Brooklyn, New York

Groundwork Therapy is a team of licensed clinical psychologists and therapists in Brooklyn, NY.  We are committed to providing high quality, contemporary psychotherapy services to this creative, diverse, and dynamic neighborhood. The licensed clinical psychologists at Groundwork Therapy have extensive experience providing psychotherapy to adolescents, adults and couples. We welcome individuals of all genders, sexualities and cultural backgrounds.