Do I need therapy?

If you haven’t tried therapy before, you might have concerns about what lies ahead. You may be worried about the cost or that it will take time and effort, or that it might end up changing the way you live your life which and these are all possible outcomes.

Since therapy does require time, money, and significant effort, it’s important to ask a few questions before starting.

Therapy often involves confronting painful issues. We have a built-in tendency to avoid pain and seek out quick solutions. 

If therapy is going to make a difference, it requires an element of vulnerability and openess which doesn’t come naturally as we have learnt as a society to become shut-off and feel we can deal with our our concerns on our own. Having a therapist that you feel comfortable with will help build trust in order to create a safe place for vulnerability and guide your journey of change. 

Therapy does require some work and quite often you may feel yourself go downward before moving forward but rest assured, this is often needed to progress and can be a positive sign.

The positive benefits of therapy can be profound. For example, it can:

• Help you realize what you want in your life – and, just as importantly, what you don’t!

• Help you set goals in line with what you really want

• Give you tools to achieve your goals more successfully

• Provide you with healthy coping mechanisms for setbacks

• Help you take care of yourself more effectively

• Help you improve your relationships with others

How long should I attend therapy?

This is dependant on what challenges you are looking to overcome and the type of therapy used. Pathway counselling is typically between 5-10 sessions. However, if the client feels they are still needing to work through things, then it could be greater.

We recommend you go once per week/fortnight.

Why? 

Going to therapy once a week allows you time to process your session. It also ensures too much time doesn’t pass between your appointments. This makes it easier to pick up where you left off after each session. As a result, you’ll see better progress.

When will I see results?

• Seeing the results of therapy depends on several things, including:

  -The type of conditions, experiences, or traumas you’re working to resolve.

  -How frequently you meet with your therapist.

  -How much time and effort you put in between sessions. You can spend this time reflecting and practicing mindfulness.

  These factors mean people are in therapy for different amounts of time.
  

  Fitting your sessions into the middle of a busy weekday may not be ideal. If you can, leave yourself time before therapy to clear your mind and relax. Eat something a couple of hours prior so you’re not distracted by hunger and wear comfortable clothes. Preparing for your session can help you make the most of your time with your therapist.

  Afterward, take some time to wind down. The therapy session might take you unexpected places. Intense feelings might show up and demand your attention. You may need a little time after your session for relaxation and self-care.

  As you’re resting after your therapy appointment, take some time to reflect. Think about the things you talked about with your therapist, and ask yourself:

  -How do I feel right now?

  -What is staying with me from this week’s session?

  -What do I still need to digest?

  Allow yourself the time, stillness, and honesty to hear the answers to these questions.

Practicing being present can also help with therapy. This is done by finding a quiet place, close your eyes, and relax. Breathe deeply.

When your body starts to feel calmer, ask yourself:

What emotions am I feeling right now?

Am I judging my thoughts, actions, or emotions too harshly?

What are my real priorities for today?

How can I sustain a sense of peace for the rest of the day?

If something comes up during your day that does not sit with you well, make a note of it and bring it up in therapy. Whether it’s a feeling you can’t quite shake, a situation that is challenging or an inner conflict, therapy is the perfect place to lean deeper into it.