Is Therapy Right for You?
It seems that therapy has become somewhat of a social media trend. Which, while wonderful, may lead to those who are not yet ready for therapy deciding, after a few sessions, that therapy is not for them. So, how does someone figure out if they are ready to begin their therapy journey? Here are a few questions to ask yourself:
Am I ready for the time commitment?
Consistency is key. Change does not come easy, nor is it as quick as we often wish. If you want to see progress in therapy you will have to commit to at least one 45-minute session per week for at least 16 weeks (longer for more complex situations like OCD, PTSD, eating disorders, etc.). Modifications to this schedule can be made, if necessary, but expectations should reflect these modifications.
Am I ready for the financial commitment?
Like most things in today’s society, quality therapy can be expensive. If you are ready to prioritize your wellness, then it may be necessary to readjust your finances. Examine your expenses and see if there are things that do not aid you in moving toward the life you want to have. Perhaps those items can be postponed or canceled in order for you to invest in your future.
Am I ready to work hard?
Therapy is not the Freudian (laying on the couch, staring at the ceiling, venting) experience that the media makes it out to be. Therapy requires vulnerability, honesty, repetition, and a willingness to put in effort. Your therapist may have topics to discuss, worksheets to review, exercises to complete, or skills to practice. Yes, there is also time to process. But processing is not venting.
Therapy also requires a willingness to practice skills throughout each day in order to see progress. A therapy session is typically one 45-minute session per week. That leaves about 111 waking hours per week. If you are only working on yourself for 45 minutes per week, the likelihood of progress is probably pretty small. In order for therapy to be effective, the lessons learned during your sessions will need to be practiced throughout your week.
Am I willing to lean into discomfort?
Being vulnerable and exploring yourself is uncomfortable. There is no sugarcoating this fact. Oftentimes, therapy requires you to lean into your fears and do things that you have avoided doing thus far.
*Please note that a quality clinician will never ask you to do anything that could cause you any form of harm.
Am I ready to work toward change?
The stages of change consist of precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, maintenance, and relapse. While therapy can aid you in moving into the preparation and action phases, it is important to have realistic expectations about where you may fall within these stages.
Time to reflect
If you answered “no” to any of these questions, that is absolutely okay. If you really want to work through these items in therapy, can you do so? Yes! However, please know that there is nothing wrong with not being ready for therapy. If you realize this at any point in the process, your clinician will understand and help you find the best resources for where you are in your journey.
The most important aspect of mental wellness is meeting yourself where you are at and honoring what you need. It is better to say, “I’m not ready,” than to foster the belief that you cannot change or that therapy cannot help you.
Written by: Rebecca Athanason, LCSW
Rebecca Athanason is a licensed clinical social worker at Austin Anxiety and OCD Specialists. She specializes in teletherapy, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), trauma/PTSD, eating disorders, grief-related issues, anxiety disorders, and depression. She enjoys working with teenagers, adults, seniors, couples, and families. If you are interested in learning more about beginning therapy at Austin Anxiety and OCD Specialists or if you would like to schedule a therapy appointment with Rebecca please contact us at hello@austinanxiety.com or 512-246-7225.