TIPS ON HOW TO HAVE SUCCESSFUL COUNSELING SESSIONS:
To get the most out of therapy, we invite you to read our 5 tips on how to have a successful therapeutic journey:
1- FINDING THE RIGHT THERAPIST:
Building a strong relationship based on trust and connection with your therapist is one of the most important factors in successful therapy. To help you find the right fit, each of our therapists has written a personalized bio that provides insight into their background, personality, and areas of expertise.
If you are unsure which therapist to choose, we offer a 15 min complementary consultation. Rather then relying solely on an automated system or intake form, you will speak with an MRC team member who knows our therapists personally and can help match you with the counselor best suited to your needs.
After you start your sessions, we encourage clients to discuss any concerns about the therapeutic relationship or sessions directly with their therapist, as adjustments can often improve the experience. However, if after three to four sessions, you feel your therapist is not the right fit, our team will gladly discuss your situation with you and help you, if needed, to transition to another counselor within our practice or elsewhere if necessary.
2- GIVE IT TIME:
Don’t expect to feel completely comfortable with your therapist in the first 10 minutes. Trust and rapport should develop over a few sessions, but the process is different for everyone.
Give yourself time with your new therapist to establish trust, understand where you are at, and determine how to work best together. Research shows that a collaborative relationship is associated with better therapeutic results.
Also, keep in mind that, counseling could be a painful process and it will take time for you to feel comfortable being vulnerable. Sometimes, experiencing difficult sessions is an indication that your therapy is working and progressing!
3- BE HONEST AND TRANSPARENT:
It is all in your benefit, even if this is uncomfortable! Your therapist will be all the most grateful for it.
Counselors have a passion for helping clients and constructive feedback will give your therapist additional tools and knowledge to better support you or find another therapist who can, if you both determine it is the best solution for you!
4- CHALLENGE YOUR THERAPIST:
Clients should not feel they have to passively accept everything their therapist says or suggests. You could say:
“I am not sure I agree with that” or “I don’t think this approach is helping me” or “Can we look at this from a different angle?” or “Can you help me view this in a way that would be more relatable or more meaningful to me?”
5- IT IS A COLLABORATIVE EFFORT:
Your therapist’s role is not only to provide a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where you can openly discuss challenges, but also to serve as an objective sounding board. They will teach you practical skills, coping strategies, and tools that help you better manage life’s challenges both during and outside therapy.
As therapy progresses, your therapist should develop a thorough understanding of your goals, concerns, and strengths. Together, you will work collaboratively to create a treatment plan and make meaningful progress toward the goals that matter most to you.
To reinforce what you learn in session, your therapist may recommend activities between appointments, such as practicing new techniques, completing exercises, or reading books and other educational materials. These assignments help strengthen new skills and support continued growth outside the therapy office.