it was harder than i thought…
in the beginning!
let’s rewind to June of 2023.
i finally scheduled my first session a couple weeks out and i thought about it everyday 🙃 lol
when the day came, ngl i walked away from that session with so much shame. and that stemmed from my fear of rejection and abandonment - i felt like i over shared and started to spiral on the drive home 🫤
i had 2 more sessions before i took a break because i was still experiencing the same shame spiral after.
ok fast forward to October of 2023.
i’m back and better lol i needed to really be ready for therapy and this time around i was. 🙏🏽
WHAT I WISH I KNEW BEFORE:
✨ Release expectations
* initially i spent the time leading up to my sessions feeling anxious about it
* now i view it as a conversation literally ABOUT ME 💖
✨You’re in control
* You run the show - meaning you can say you don’t want to talk about a certain subject and your therapist will probably redirect to something else
✨Think about what role you want your therapist to play in your life
* do you need someone to ask you the hard questions?
* need someone who will just listen and let you vent?
* for me i needed get as comfy as possible to counteract the shame spiraling so i told my therapist i wanted our convos to be like the ones i have with my sisters 👯♀️😭 and it helped immensely!
ask me anything in the comments! i want the girliesss in therapy in 2024 🫵🏽
stay dangerous lovely 💋
#therapy #embracevulnerability #unfiltered #healinggirlera #mystory #Lemon8Diary #shareyourthoughts #healthylifestyle2024 #levelupyourlife #mentalhealthmatters
Starting therapy can feel daunting, especially for beginners. Embracing the process and understanding that it's a personal journey is crucial. Keep in mind that release of expectations is essential. Anxiety before sessions is common, but viewing therapy as a safe conversation about yourself can help ease those nerves. It's also important to recognize that you’re in control during your sessions. If a topic feels too heavy, you can ask your therapist to pivot to something else that feels safer or more relevant to your needs. Consider what role you want your therapist to play in your journey. Do you seek someone to challenge you with tough questions, or do you need a supportive listener? This understanding can greatly enhance your therapy experience. The comfort of sharing like you would with close friends or family can foster a more productive dialogue with your therapist. Remember that the therapy path varies for everyone, and each person’s journey will look different. Your willingness to communicate openly will pave the way for healing and growth. Don’t hesitate to ask your therapist about their approach and how you can collaborate to meet your goals in therapy.
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