Therapy and mental health discussions sit at the forefront of our modern-era conversations. For a good reason: according to the American Institute of Stress, one-third of people report feeling stressed out, and almost three-quarters of people admit their stress greatly affects their mental health.
As a result of these realizations, cultural re-education is taking place. We are learning more about our brains and bodies – and the impact of deep stress on them – than ever before. More people are committing to improving themselves; their first step is often signing up for therapy.
But there’s one problem: when most people go to therapy, they ignore any therapy preparation and transfer the charge of their well-being solely into the hands of the professional.
And while it is helpful to talk to an attuned, empathetic therapist, there is little self-reflection happening on the part of the individual (other than what their therapist persuades them to consider).
Before booking an appointment, an individual can and should do a great deal of therapy preparation. Therapists themselves recommend well-defined, purpose-driven, self-reflective work.
Here are some examples of that therapy preparation:
- Identifying and understanding your attachment relationships with your parents or caregivers.
- Exploring past experiences that elicited negative emotions such as fear, shame, or distress.
- Recognizing how these relationships and experiences connect to your current triggers and long-held beliefs about yourself (also called “memory integration”).
- Making sense of your life through these self-reflective practices and then rewriting a coherent narrative for empowerment.
By exploring your attachment style and reframing challenges, you gain self-awareness, resilience, and the ability to construct a life narrative that integrates your experiences into a coherent and empowering story. This narrative fosters a positive self-identity, cultivates personal growth, and provides a sense of purpose as you navigate your journey.
Ultimately, this work will better equip the individual and the therapist to work towards better outcomes — together.
So no — we are not telling you to avoid therapists and therapy at all costs. You deserve to be an active partner in your discovery process rather than surrendering your power to someone else (even a licensed therapist).
No one knows you better than you, so don’t take a backseat to your own journey.