One of the hardest things to do in life is get honest with yourself and others about the fact that you need therapeutic support. Even though there is no shame in participating in therapy or counseling, it’s still tough to break through the initial stigma.
Perhaps the second hardest thing to do after that is to actually be honest with your therapist. Getting to know a therapist is a little bit like dating; there’s going to be some needed rapport-building before you get to the deep stuff. But there’s one catch: you’re paying this therapist to help you! In other words, there’s no time to waste.
Not being honest about how severe your depression is, how debilitating your anxiety is, or how consuming your substance use has become undermines not only your financial and time investment in the therapeutic process, but also your potential for feeling better.
In order for your counselor to truly help you to the greatest extent possible, you must be honest with them about your symptoms, your thoughts, your past experiences, and your behaviors. The more you are able to share, and sooner, the quicker they can empower you to take the healthiest next steps with their recommended strategies and tools.
It feels unusual to spill your guts like this to another human without years and years of trust-building beforehand, but remembering that they are a paid medical professional can be helpful. For example, the last time you went to your primary care doctor, did you tell them half truths or deliberate lies about how you felt, or the reason you were there to see them? Of course not! We need their help, so we be honest.
It’s also important to remember that therapists are not there to judge you. They are only there to help you. Their life experiences and backgrounds may be vastly different from yours; however, they are highly educated and trained to meet you where you are at. Trust the process.
If you or someone you know is ready to take the next step in therapy or counseling, please know The Willow Center is here to help!
Written by Chase Cotten, Community Director
