FAQs about counseling, therapy, and psychotherapy in Columbia, MO

You know you want your life to be better.  Having the pain from Depression, Anxiety, and/or Grief is getting to be too much.  Having a counselor or therapist would mean a lot, but you have a lot of questions about counseling and therapy in Columbia, MO  You have done the homework and talked with a few therapists, and you found a therapist who seems nice enough. The questions about what to expect and how this will work are on your mind most of the time.  That is normal.  It is a big step to go to the first session.  

I want your experience with therapy and counseling in Columbia, MO to be the best it can be!  Here are a few Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) most people have about starting therapy..  

FAQs about Counseling

Will I have to tell my therapist everything?

No, you don’t have to tell your therapist everything.  It is common to feel like going to therapy means you are now an open book.  You will want to talk about things that are comfortable.  However, if there are things you would like to share, but if they are difficult to express, your therapist can help. Your therapist or counselor can spend extra time during sessions to help you begin to feel more comfortable with what you share.  Some individuals feel more awkward sharing in the beginning, but know that it can become easier.

Will my friends and family know I am in therapy?

Only if you ask your therapist to let them know.  You and your therapist will talk about Confidentiality during the first session.  Therapists are bound to hold your information confidential and only give it to individuals and organizations you ask them to.  You can let your therapist know how you want to be contacted or not be contacted.  Sometimes not receiving texts or mail at home makes a lot of sense.  Your counselor will need to let others know if you may harm yourself or someone else.  

Will others think I am crazy or weak because I go to therapy?

You don’t have to tell your family or friends about your healing journey in therapy. Your therapist or counselor is bound by the rules of confidentiality and will not tell them you are in therapy. However, if your friends or family learn you are going to therapy or counseling it may be difficult to know what they will think.  More people are understanding the importance of therapy and the stigma of doing personal work during therapy is lessening.  Knowing your WHY may help you with this concern.  Take a sticky note and just jot down 10 reasons you are doing going to therapy. Put this note where you can see it several times a day.  This is your WHY!  It is courageous to make the decision to improve your life.  Just knowing your WHY can help you stay focused on what you need to do for yourself and ignore what others may think or do.

Will I have to go to therapy forever?

No.  The goal of therapy and counseling is to help you gain skills that will help you grow and live a better life.  Different people will attend therapy for different lengths of time.  Your time in therapy may be a few weeks or several months.  This is a decision you will make with your therapist based on your goal for your life.  During the first session, the clinician will ask you about that goal.  Using your WHY list can help you communicate about what you want for your life.  After the first session, your therapist will check with you about how close you feel you are to your goal.  Sometimes you will change your goal and opt to stay in therapy until you reached your new goal.

Will my therapist make me do things that are too uncomfortable for me?

No.  It is common for your therapist to teach you skills that help you grow.  You may not have ever done things that your counselor will teach you. But, it can be a time to try on new options for thinking or behaving that may become a new habit.  A habit that helps move you to your goal and your WHY.  If you feel uncomfortable about something, it is a great time to talk with your therapist and explore it more.  Understanding what is around the feeling of being uncomfortable can be the growth you need at that moment.  

What is the first session like?

Your therapist will likely ask you to complete some historical information prior to the first session.  Having this information allows your therapist to dig right in at the first session and help you move toward your goal.  It is common for the therapist to review and answer questions about their policies and processes.  Be sure to bring your questions.  The next goal of the first session is to get an assessment.  Your therapist will build from the history your provided and then work to understand what is happening for you, how it is changing your life, and what is your goal.  In the remaining time, you and your therapist may spend time setting a few goals for what you would like to do over the next week.

Is there Homework?

Maybe.  Homework is fairly common.  Getting feelings out during therapy is important.  Sometimes the goal of homework is to help you understand when feelings or behaviors come up. Sometimes the goal of homework is to practice a skill you learned during therapy.  Doing homework may improve your outcomes during therapy and help you really reach your goal. Homework provides a time to connect with yourself and what is happening and it can provide more opportunities to practice a new skill.

How much time will Homework take?

If you and your therapist decide homework is the right thing, you will also talk about the time commitment you will have.  I know we are all busy and adding another thing to do on top of coming to the session each week adds a lot.  Homework can take a few minutes a day.  Think about it like stretching exercises that help relieve the pain.  Working a muscle every day can make a difference.  Homework during therapy is much like this. You are taking extra time to be good to yourself and stretch your “muscles” through practice. Your therapist can help you streamline the homework process with worksheets and apps.  

May I stop therapy when I don’t want to go anymore?

Yes. You may decide to leave therapy because you met your goal or you feel like your therapy is not working.  This is something you should talk with your therapist about.  If you think a different provider will help you, your therapist may know a different clinician who may be a better fit.  Chances are, your current therapist may know you fairly well now.  If you met your goal, great!.  Your therapist will probably want to check in on you in a few months and see how things are going.  

I hope this helps you on your healing journey to find the right therapist or counselor in Columbia, MO.  If you are still feeling stuck, give me a call at 573-238-8575.  I provide free 15-minute phone consultations.  Let’s talk about what is happening and then I can direct you to the right person.  If you are looking for help with Depression, Anxiety, and/or Grief in Columbia, MO check out my website to learn more at www.counselingmidmo.com

I am a therapist in Columbia, MO and help Seniors, Caregivers, and Adults with counseling for depression, anxiety, and grief.   

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