To start psychotherapy
| 28, Aug, 19
Starting a psychological process can be one of the decisions that takes us the longest to make for two main reasons: judgments, lack of knowledge about mental health, underestimation of this service, and the resources we have available. I have compiled some points below that you can take into account if you are hesitant to start your process; I hope to help you make the decision:
1. Ideally, choose someone with clinical psychology training (psychotherapy):
Although it is true that we all start practicing from undergraduate studies and seeing someone recently graduated has the advantage of having fresh theory and supervision of their practice. Ideally, in addition to undergraduate training, a postgraduate degree (specialization) in clinical psychology should have been completed, because this, in addition to knowledge and practical experience, could indicate a process of self-knowledge on the part of the therapist.
There are many types of clinical psychology, that is, theories of approach to working with human beings, the main ones being: psychoanalysis, cognitive-behavioral, humanistic and transpersonal; each with its particular way of understanding well-being and accompanying people. Psychoanalysis focuses on exploring the unconscious, internal conflicts and past experiences that influence our current life. Cognitive-behavioral psychology (CBT) focuses on thoughts and behaviors to change patterns that generate discomfort, through structured and practical techniques. On the other hand, humanistic psychology emphasizes personal potential, emotions and subjective experience, promoting self-knowledge, authenticity and growth from the here and now.
You can ask the therapist you are going to work with about this to see if you find an affinity with the theory; however, the theory will not be the most important thing to clarify, what should be discussed in the rapport (framing of the first session) are the guidelines (frequency, fee, duration, methodology, among others) of the psychological process with that particular therapist.
2. Closeness and professionalism.
The person you choose as a psychotherapist should feel equally close and professional; close enough to experience willingness, listening, trust and containment. Professionalism not to confuse their own process with yours, to guide you according to their academic and experiential training, to build a healthy therapeutic bond from objective and human accompaniment.
At no time should this bond be altered by personal situations and if so, the professional must make a timely referral of their patient to another colleague.
3. Reason for consultation
Therapy is started by those who want to be better, who have doubts and want to experience some change in their own being and in the way they relate to their environment. It is not necessary to be going through a crisis to start a process, nor to have the reason for consultation absolutely defined, as the therapist will help you with this.
The work will begin with your present, describing how you are now, how you relate to your reality, and you can trust the therapist to formulate the necessary questions that will help deepen the exploration process.
4. Willingness.
Recognize that the process requires: time effort, willingness to work and economic investment, for it to have continuity and fluidity. Although your therapist is in charge of providing the space, containment and therapeutic reflection, it will be the commitment you have with yourself that will potentiate or hinder your process; whenever you want to work, the psychotherapist is there to accompany you. but if you don't have the willingness there isn't much that can be done without strengthening your defenses.
5. Let go of prejudices.
It is very likely that the beliefs you have about psychology and personal processes lead you to think that "what you are experiencing is not that serious" or that if "you don't overcome it alone you are weak," etc.
But when you manage to let go of these myths (false beliefs) about psychotherapy, you will open the door not only to your ability to awaken consciousness, shake off patterns and experiment with creative ways of living, but you will also be able to connect with the deservingness of a more pleasant and satisfying life.
I share with you the agenda of referred colleagues 2024
It's time to start!
Photo by: Eduard Militaru