On our blog this week is local therapist, Miranda Layton, LISW-CP, PMH-C.
Miranda dedicates her time to hosting our weekly Virtual Therapist-Led Support Group on Tuesdays at 11 am. I recently asked her to write a little something about what therapy looks like, because I know it can sometimes be challenging for us moms to make that first appointment.
Here are her beautiful words that might help you get a sense of what therapy is like.
What can I expect from therapy?
So you have found a therapist and made that initial contact. Congrats that you made it that far, it’s no small feat! Now what can you expect?!
During the first session, I typically spend that time asking a million questions and getting to know my client as well as letting them ask me any questions so they can get to know me. In that first hour, you can usually tell if it is going to be a good match. You want to be sure that you and your new therapist are a good fit because this is important in developing a trusting, collaborative therapeutic relationship. No worries if you feel it is not a good match, we don’t take it personally.
Not every therapist is a good match for everyone.
In working with clients, I try to get to the root of the issue so that we can work through long-standing negative beliefs, anxieties, behaviors and anything else that has been standing in the way of living and being the best version of themselves. I provide the tools for clients to utilize in their daily lives to feel empowered to take control.
How can therapy be helpful?
Well, I am a bit biased but I believe if you have a good therapist and are invested in therapy, you can make so many positive changes. Some ways therapy can be helpful:
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Therapists provide an unbiased, non-judgmental outside perspective in a safe space.
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Therapists provide valuable tools for making positive change.
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Therapists teach ways to better understand behaviors, actions, feelings and emotions.
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Therapists assist in change which leads to healthier behaviors, relationships and overall perception.
Now that you have decided to take this journey, make the most of it! Remember this is time for you to make the positive changes in your life so that you can show up for yourself, children, spouse, friends and in every other role you hold in a more authentic, meaningful way. Look at therapy as self-care and an investment in yourself and you are worth it!