Psychotherapy is different from medical or dental treatments, where patients typically sit passively while professionals work on them and tell them their diagnosis and treatment plans. Psychotherapy has nothing to do with a psychologist telling you what to do. It is an active collaboration between you and the psychologist. Co-creation, if you will.
In fact, hundreds of studies have found that a very important part of what makes psychotherapy work is the collaborative and trusting relationship between psychologist and patient, also known as the therapeutic alliance. The therapeutic alliance is what happens when the psychologist and patient work together to achieve the patient's goals. I am confident that we can create a positive, trusting, safe space to help you discover tools and solutions to what is holding you back.
One of my biggest suggestions to you is the following: be an active and engaged participant in your psychotherapy! It may seem obvious, but it is worth emphasizing. Don't be shy to be proactive as we set treatment goals together. Contribute to establishing a schedule that you will find the most feasible and helpful. Ask questions about your treatment plan. If you don't think a session went well, share that feedback with me so that I can respond and adapt your treatment more effectively. Asking for suggestions on books or websites with helpful information about your problems is a great idea!
And because behaviour change is difficult, practice is also essential. It's easy to fall back into old patterns of thinking and behaviour, so stay alert between sessions. Notice how you react to things and take what you learn in our sessions and apply it to real-life situations. When you share what you've observed and learned between sessions with me, this information can inform what's happening during our appointments and help you further. With regular practice, you will be able to consolidate the gains you have made, move through psychotherapy more quickly, and maintain your progress after you are finished.
