I Have a Say in Therapy? What?
By Amy Rauch, PsyD
Yesterday we talked about the fact that some don't understand what therapy is and "torment" me with their misconceptions. Yes, I can be a bit dramatic! Today is the second of three posts dedicated to dispelling some basic myths.
Myth 2: "If I start going to therapy, I won't ever stop."
You may know someone who has been in therapy for half of their life and assume that therapy is a life-long endeavor for everyone. This decision is ENTIRELY up to you. You are the consumer and you make the decision about this. If asked, your therapist might ask you what your goals are and then offer ways in which you might benefit from developing additional insight / work on that particular area, but if you are unmotivated or disinterested in doing so, it would be a pointless endeavor anyhow. It is also a fair question in an initial interview to ask how long a client with your presenting issue (anxiety, depression, relationship issues, etc.) typically stays in therapy with that therapist OR what kind of outcomes has the therapist had with clients with your presenting issue. Is that crazy to even think about asking? Did you get a little but uncomfortable when you read it? Yes, more of that shift from the first myth (in the last post) but would make for good conversation. While the therapist may not have a straight answer, they should at least be able to provide a loose time frame for when you can expect to feel better.
Myth 3: "I can't tell my therapist when I don't like something they say or do"
Yes, absolutely you can! That is such great information for the therapist to know and to discuss. Every client is different and has unique preferences and, while your therapist may be particularly observant and notice your shift in body language or tone, it would be even better for you to communicate that directly. Your therapist can take it....you won't hurt their feelings or offend them....and if it does, they are in the wrong field and it's better you find that out now!!! When I first meet a client I am very curious about past experiences in therapy because I want to know what has worked, what has not worked, and what they got out of the experience as a whole.