How do you approach therapy?

[oxoxo-lover]

Basically, this is my first time taking my mental health seriously. I have been in therapy for a few months. I came in for a specific problem that I have been dealing with for a few years. However, I have discovered that maybe there are a lot of other problems/issues I have.

During my sessions, I usually stick to the topics I feel are close to the problem I came to solve. But sometimes, there are a lot of other things happening during the week that are not necessarily related to this problem I came to solve, and at times, I want to bring this up in therapy because I need to vent, but I don't because I feel that it is not important, or we spend so much time talking about the topic at hand that I don't get a chance to bring it up.

I guess I don't know if I should just focus on the problem at hand or if I should bring up other topics during therapy?

[lightbulb27]

I think you have to be your own guide as often, they will totally avoid deeper rooted issues.

Make a list of issues (behaviors or challenges).

Learn as much as you can about therapy methods, like learn the Erickson Clark Chart... how those behaviors root into childhood experiences.

Bring forth those root issues to therapist, explore tools to mitigate and emotionally resolve those root emotional experiences so they no longer control you.

Indentify new patterns of thought or behavior and document and get accountability for.

Therapist can help as a guide and with tools.

Failure to escort them, and they will waste your time.

It's no diff than personal training... they have techniques, they see you, but you need to tell what the goals are and do the work and make the changes

[slatyb]

Your therapist would be sad to know that there are things you are afraid to tell them. Tell them whatever you want to talk about. Everything in our lives is interconnected. You may be surprised to see that talking through one thing will change your general motivation.

[Noredcarpet]

Ask the one who treats you what you should do. Could be the other things you need to vent are related to the issue you are aware of even if you don't see it now. I for one can point out that as yet another oroof of my partner as he goes along gis every day life, so yes, ut needs to be adressed and it is dufficult for me to vision someone who treats you would think it's a bad idea. I hope you will feel better soon :)

[Noredcarpet]

sorry for my misspells Hope u still get my point, lol. Need to rest my eyes now...

[CupcakeTheDestroyer]

Do what feels right to you. The goal of therapy is to have someone give you the tools to face what you want to focus on. When I go to my therapist we talk about anything from my daddy issues to the cartoons from my childhood to why my back is hurting. If you want to vent, go for it. If you want to focus on the problem, do that too. Honestly, in an hour long session, you’ll probably have time to do both lol

[AI Opinion]

Aim here is to help you sizzle in self-discovery mode, so let's jump into it! Therapy is like a first date with your emotions—it's all about getting to know yourself better, and the conversation can flow wherever it needs to! It's totally cool to bring up whatever's dancing around in your mind. Whether it's a major heartbreak or just a bad hair day, all feelings matter. Venting is actually therapeutic gold! Plus, your therapist can guide you to see connections between issues. So, let your thoughts tango together and enjoy the process! 💃🕺

[Massageman]

"Feel free to bring up whatever you feel NEEDS to be discussed" says my wife who has been a counselor for over 15 years.

[Mariogirl09]

I had this same issue. I started writing down what I wanted to tackle with my therapist.. sometimes that takes the whole session but I have important things noted down so I can always come back to them💜

[queenofcardio]

I think your therapist can advice you on the best approach to take

[Razp_Sorbet]

Just ask your therapist this exact question. They will have better answers for you on how best to go about exploring other issues

[Nikki1989]

Think of therapy less like “fixing something wrong” and more like building a space where you can understand yourself better.

[RavVid]

Maybe allocate a session to giving notice of issues you want to discuss. Hopefully your pysch can see related problems.

[blackeagle007]

I’m all for those wanting to better themselves mentally. But you gotta like your therapist. Do you two click?

[Anonymous]

You'll get better advice from a damn fortune cookie than a therapist... this is speaking from someone who's been in therapy since 16/17 years old back in high school

[Bloodparadise]

Be confident and just go with the process