Is therapy awkward in the beginning?
Starting therapy can feel awkward for some people, but it’s important to remember that this is completely normal and it may take some time to feel fully comfortable with your therapist. While therapy is a valuable tool for personal growth and healing, it can be difficult to open up to a stranger about personal issues, struggles, or mental health problems. It may take time to build a rapport with your therapist and become comfortable sharing your thoughts, feelings, struggles, hopes, highs and lows. However, it’s important to remember that your therapist is there to help you and create a safe space for healing, processing, and self-discovery. Trusting the therapeutic process and being open to the experience can help alleviate any initial awkwardness and begin to develop a safe space for you to walk in more vulnerability. Additionally, it’s important to communicate with your therapist about any discomfort or concerns you may have, as they can work with you to adjust the therapy experience accordingly to provide a comfortable environment for you to grow.
5 ways to feel more comfortable during your therapy sessions:
- Communicate openly and honestly with your therapist about your concerns and needs as you start your healing journey.
- Take deep breaths or practice relaxation techniques before and during your session to help calm your nerves you may have initially.
- Remember that therapy is a safe and confidential space where you can talk about anything without fear of judgment or criticism, it is a place for you to bring your true authentic self.
- Set realistic expectations for yourself and the therapy process, and be patient with yourself as you work through difficult emotions and experiences trusting the processes.
- Consider bringing a comfort item, such as a stress ball or a favorite blanket, to help you feel more relaxed and at ease during your session or ask your therapist if they have any recommended tools to use if feelings of anxiety are occurring.
As stated, therapy can be an uncomfortable experience at first as you’re growing and challenging yourself in new ways. It’s normal to feel apprehensive about opening up to a stranger and discussing your deepest thoughts and emotions, especially if this is your first time sharing some of life’s hardest moments. However, sticking with therapy can have a profound positive impact on your mental health and overall wellbeing, therefore, trust the processes and challenge yourself to be as open and honest as you can.
Therapy provides a safe and non-judgmental space to express your innermost feelings, thoughts, and concerns, even when you’re going to therapy for life transitions. It can be difficult to share your thoughts and emotions with friends or family members, as there may be a fear of being judged or misunderstood, so talking to a therapist can be a great starting point for you and your mental health needs. In therapy, you can freely express yourself without the fear of repercussions, allowing you to explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in a supportive, safe, and well trained environment.
Also, therapy can help you develop coping mechanisms to deal with life’s challenges either from the past or in the present. Through therapy, you can learn to identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that may be hindering your personal growth, your relationships, and your worldview. Additionally, you can learn techniques such as mindfulness, deep breathing, and visualization, these are tools that a therapist can teach you to help you manage anxiety and stress you’re experiencing in your day to day life.
In conclusion, while therapy may be uncomfortable at first, sticking with it can have significant benefits for your mental health and overall wellbeing as you can discover more about yourself, cultivate tools to give you a better perspective on life, and work towards inner healing. By providing a safe and supportive environment to express yourself, teaching coping mechanisms to deal with life’s challenges, and helping you build meaningful relationships, therapy can help you live a more fulfilled life. Overall, while therapy may feel awkward in the beginning, it’s important to remember that it’s a valuable tool that could drastically improve your life.
