A Hard Truth
Here’s a hard truth about mental health and therapy: we all have a part to play in the issues we encounter.
Whether it’s family and relationship issues, managing our symptoms, or changing unwanted behaviors, we have a level of personal accountability.
It’s easy for us to want to blame another person for our troubles. Maybe we can’t find the right partner due to a history of poor relationships. Maybe despite showing up to therapy, our depression and anxiety levels continue to stay the same. Maybe instead of facing our responsibilities, we continue to avoid them.
As a therapist, my ultimate goal is to get you to a place where you don’t need me anymore. I want to help you build your self-sufficiency, and confidence in knowing yourself enough to navigate on your own. But in order to do that, you have to be willing to look in the mirror, and I’m not going to lie. That can be hard to do. Looking into that mirror means facing your flaws and owning up to them. It’s not to make you put yourself down, but to see where you can improve.
I’ve had clients come to me and report no change in their symptoms for several months. Despite all the psychoeducation and teaching coping skills, there was no change. When I asked if they’ve been applying what they’re learning in therapy, the answer was no. And my response: “Well, what do you expect to happen then?” Therapy is not one size fits all, but if you do not take what you learn in therapy and apply it outside of the sessions, you won’t know if it works for you. Keep in mind I am speaking from my experience as an outpatient provider in a private practice setting and not from working in a higher level of care setting.
In truth, not every therapeutic relationship is the right match, and it can take time to find the right therapist. But if you feel you and your therapist have good rapport, and you are not seeing any changes, ask yourself the following questions:
Am I applying the skills I’m learning?
Am I engaging in forms of escapism like work, video games, or substance use?
Am I setting boundaries or still allowing myself to come in second?
Am I really ready for this?
How honest am I allowing myself to be?
Therapy requires work, commitment, active practice. It’s okay if you don’t make the changes you’re looking for right away. The point is you give it an honest shot. I always encourage my clients to be honest and transparent. Yes, it can be scary, but without honesty, the process will go nowhere.
Schedule Sessions with Sage Grove Are you ready to get honest about your feelings and start taking the steps to improving your mental health? Schedule a free 15 minute consultation with me through my contact page to discuss your mental health challenges and goals. The journey can be rough, but you don’t have to go through it alone.
Ready to take a chance on yourself?
