It’s been six months since I’ve walked into my counselor’s room and boy – what a journey it’s been! Counseling is no joke. Like it is a legitimately difficult endeavor, to sit in a room and pour out your heart to a stranger. But after six months I’ve learned, receiving therapy has been one of the most worthwhile and healing experiences of my life.
You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know
It may seem like an obvious phrase, but I’ve found out during therapy that it’s true. You truly don’t know what is hidden deep within your mind and heart until you put in the time and effort to discover what’s beneath the surface. The mind and heart are deep places. VERY deep. Sometimes you’ll end up saying something that will shock you. Your therapist will pick up on a thought, feeling, or belief you didn’t even know you had. Therapy is an unraveling process. The more layers you peel back, the more you’ll see what’s inside.
You’re Both Weaker and Stronger Than You Know
Therapy can often feel like an uphill battle. Honestly, for me, the first three months alone were a struggle just to speak honestly and vulnerably. I feel like it wasn’t until maybe the third or fourth month that it felt like I was really putting in the work and making progress. There are times in your therapy journey when you will feel weak and helpless. You could discover things in yourself that you don’t like. But I think there are also moments when you are able to look back at your life and feel surprised by how much you’ve overcome. It’s ok to feel weak and it’s ok to feel strong. You wouldn’t be human if you didn’t have any weaknesses.
Sometimes You Have to Go Shopping
Now, hear me out. I’m not talking about using a shopping spree as a coping mechanism to solve all your problems. What I’m talking about is you may have to “shop” to find the right counselor, therapist, psychiatrist, psychologist, etc., that suits you. There are very few people I know who found their counselor on the first go. My current counselor, who I’ve been with for six months, was the third one I tried out. Don’t get discouraged if your first counseling experience doesn’t work out. I remember, years ago, I once tried therapy and had just two sessions and didn’t go back to therapy for four years. Back then, I wish someone had told me to keep trying. It may take a few tries, but the right fit is out there for you!
Therapy is Hard
Therapy is not easy. It’s not this happy dandy frolic in a valley of daisies. If anything, it’s like climbing up a mountain. Sometimes it’s brutal, with torrents of rain and brutal winds. Sometimes the weather is pleasant and you can feel the sun on your skin. But I would say, if you’re going into therapy with some significant issues you want to deal with it will be uncomfortable. Symbolically speaking, you’re picking at the scars and wounds you have deep inside. There will be discomfort in allowing yourself to “go there.”
Therapy is Worth It
I don’t want to end this post on a negative note. Therapy is indeed hard, but it is worth it. You will find that the simple act of processing can do worlds for your mind and heart. The self-awareness alone can also be a motor for change and growth in you. Honestly, if you have the means (through health insurance, there are also several clinics with sliding scale fees that are very affordable) I believe that every individual should try counseling at least once in their life. Think of it as a check-up for your mind. We as a society accept that we should go to the doctor for our annual physical. I think with time, we can come to value counseling and the mind as well.
If you’ve been struggling with the idea of therapy, consider you reading this blog as a sign! You can do it. It will most likely be hard, but you are more than capable. I believe in you!
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