What to expect from counseling, therapy, psychotherapy in Columbia, MO
Growing fern in a hanging basket, text: What Should I expect from therapy services?
Starting therapy and counseling is a big step. A step toward the growth and healing that can lead to a better life. Thinking about taking the journey through therapy can at times be scary and feel uncertain. Although each journey is different and yours will be unique, they all have similarities.
So you may have found a few therapists or counselors in Columbia, MO that really feel like a good fit. You probably continue to have questions about what the therapy journey will entail, that is normal.
Frequency of therapy
Research shows that working with your therapist weekly, in the beginning, may help you to get more out of counseling. Each person will want to attend therapy a different amount of sessions, but consistently working on improving is shown to help. Making a commitment to yourself that is worth it, may help you hang in there.
After completing an assessment with your therapist, you can start to dig into your feelings, thoughts, and how you respond to them as you work toward your goal. As you are comfortable, your therapist will encourage you to express how you are feeling about what is happening and how your mind and body are responding to these feelings. The clinician may ask you to do homework to further identify when the thoughts and reactions are getting in the way. Leaning into the homework can be an act of self-love as you are getting more in touch with yourself.
Learning new skills and insights during counseling
At times the therapist will teach you some techniques you may try to reduce how the feelings, thoughts, and reactions get in the way. Sometimes it may be through practicing something in a session and asking you to try it outside the therapy room. Other times it may be a worksheet. Processing how this practice helped or didn’t can help you see if this technique was helpful or if you need to explore a different skill with your clinician. These skills and techniques help build your toolbox. A toolbox specially designed for you and you will have with you each day, especially when therapy ends.
As you are thinking about what skills to embrace, it can be stressful and you may feel unsure if it really fits. This can be a great time to process these thoughts and feelings with your therapist. Staying in the discomfort may help you understand what works best for you and what doesn’t. It can also give you the success that can give you the confidence you will need when you tackle a larger task.
Hitting rough patches during counseling
It is not unusual to feel optimistic about your healing in the beginning and then in a few sessions feel like things are not going very well. Once you start working on yourself, it may take some time and building of skills during some sessions before you are feeling like you are closer to your ideal you. It can feel like an overwhelming journey. Hang in there and be as compassionate to yourself as your can. Growing can have its pain and giving up during this part of your healing may rob you of valuable insights into where the feelings are coming from. This insight may propel you to healing in a way you never imagined you could. Your therapist may help you learn to do some relaxation and compassionate things for yourself.
Feeling better during psychotherapy!
Many people in therapy will begin to feel like the hard work is paying off. The thoughts, feelings, and reactions have a lessened effect on everyday life. This is why you came to therapy and that is most likely your goal. Celebrate it when you get to this point! You persevered and have skills that are making a difference. Your therapist may help you put some “systems” in place that will help you continue to implement the skills you learned and make the effect long-lasting.
Terminating Therapy
You are now closer to termination (ending therapy). You and your therapist will decide together when it is time to stop coming to sessions. However, the journey in your life continues as you take your toolbox with you. Please don’t forget the tools you forged while working through the difficult times. Sometimes your counselor may want to check on you in a few weeks to ensure you are doing well and reaping the benefits of the new life you built during this process.
Find a therapist in Columbia, MO
I hope this helps you find the right counselor in Columbia, MO. If you are still feeling stuck, feel free to call me at (573) 238-8575 for a free 15-minute phone consultation. I’d be happy to hear about what is happening and help direct you to the right person. If you are looking for help with Depression, Anxiety, or Grief counseling in Columbia, MO, you can read more about how I can help at www.counselingmidmo.com.
About Jerry Kiesilng, Counselor
Jerry Kiesling is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Columbia, MO. He specialized in work with Seniors, caregivers, and Adults Counseling in Mid-Missouri. Jerry provides psychotherapy for depression, anxiety, and grief in Columbia, MO, and the surrounding area.
