5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting Therapy
Start writing a post

5 Things I wish i knew before starting therapy

With experience comes knowledge.

91
5 Things I wish i knew before starting therapy

I started going to therapy during my first semester of college. I had no idea what to expect and it made the process scary and intimidating. Now that I've had some time to reflect on my experiences, I wanted to write down what I've learned. I plan to start therapy again, and will take what I've learned with me. So, here are five things I wish I knew before starting therapy.

No one will judge you for going to therapy.

My first few appointments were made in the early hours of the morning so I could avoid running into anyone I knew. Over time I've learned that with most things in college, no one really cares what anyone else is doing. I slowly started opening up to my friends, family, and Odyssey, and they were nothing less than supportive. I don't know why I thought it'd be any other way.

Not every therapist is perfect.

I don't know why I was expecting to have a perfect therapist off the bat, but my first one just didn't work for me. I felt like we were constantly on different pages, and I didn't get the closure I needed on many issues. I'm going to start up therapy again in the fall, with a new therapist who hopefully will better understand my needs. There's no shame in switching doctors if they aren't meeting your care needs.

You will cry.

It sounds like a cliche you see on TV, but when you're unhashing deep psychological issues, it's going to unlock some tears. There's a reason therapists' offices are usually stocked with tissues, and no matter how hard you try to hold back, it's going to happen. But again, there shouldn't be shame around our emotions, especially in a setting where you're trying to better understand them.

Not every session will be progressive or cathartic.

Occasionally, I left sessions more frustrated or with more uncertainty than when I went in. While some of that may have had to do with my therapist not fitting me, it also had to do with me slowly coming to terms with the topics we had been discussing. While I had hoped to leave every session with a burden lifted off my shoulders, that just wasn't the case. And that's okay. Therapy is a tool that I can use to better my own mental health, and ultimately all progress will be made by me, whether that's in or out of a therapy session.

You can't script your sessions.

Although I normally thought through what I wanted to say prior to my sessions, I couldn't account for the questions my therapists would ask me or the direction they would take the session. I had to learn to let the conversation flow naturally and allow my thoughts to come out as they did, regardless of planning ahead.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

58721
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

37867
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

959425
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

194831
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments