How To Know If Therapy Is Working
October 15, 2009 by Steven Diamond
Filed under Choosing The Right Therapist, Daily Blog, Featured, Questions
How do you really know if your therapy is working?
Good question huh?
Therapy that works is a two way street. Both you and the therapist are team mates. And it takes a serious commitment on both parts to make sometimes difficult changes in behavior or thinking patterns that you have established over a life time.
It’s always a good idea to discuss with your therapist just what you would like the outcome of your counseling to be. Talk about realistic time frames for reaching realistic goals and agree on how you will measure your progress as you travel down the path of wellness.
Remember to be completely open and honest with your therapist and try your best to establish a solid foundation of communication. Often, this requires an elusive “chemistry” between both of you in which you feel comfortable with your counselor’s personality, approach and style. However, keep in mind that your therapist is not going to be a friend so to speak. They are there to guide you down the path. I like to think of them as a “Tour Guide”. If after the first the first few sessions you are not feeling the “communication chemistry”, I advise that you look for another counselor with whom you will feel more comfortable, open and honest.
Finding the right therapist is only the first step. The real challenge is in understanding in such an emotional state just how effective his or her therapy is for you.
Here are some signs I think are important to look for:
Keep in mind that it’s really up to you to make the changes in your life. In other words… You have to work at it. An effective counselor can help pinpoint the obstacles in your way. But you have to help by being a good communicator. A good therapist can spot what’s going on and help suggest behavioral changes so you can overcome them. If you find certain obstacles you face involve factors beyond your control, you “Tour Guide” can teach you coping skills that will foster your well being in trying circumstances.
An effective therapist is really good at spotting negative thinking patterns that may be feeding your feelings of sadness, depression or anxiety. By encouraging you to muster up the personal strengths you need and teaching you real skills that really work, you can overcome self-inflicted feelings of hopelessness. Before you know it, you’ll develop a more positive attitude and outlook on life.
You will learn how to make positive changes in your relationships with others, helping you recognize behaviors that may be contributing to a troublesome relationship. A good therapist will teach you new ways of communicating, clearing the way for honest exchanges with people in your life who may be causing you emotional pain.
The best way to spot a great therapist is when they make you think about things or in ways that you never have before. Therapy is not a fast or easy solution. However, if you stick with it, in the end you will feel personal growth that empowers you to control your life and enjoy positive, life-affirming relationships with the people you care most about.
So do you claim to offer some of the same treatments that therapists use? After going through you personal coaching brochure, it really seems like you offer or try to offer an alternative to a traditional therapist- are you a medical doctor then also? While I’m sure your experience has provided great guidance for advice for friends and whatnot, I have a hard time over coming the years upon years of research and practice of medical doctors techniques in treatments-
Hey thanks for your honest comments…I truly welcome them.
First, I am NOT a medical doctor. I do not give medical advice either. I teach skills. If you prefer traditional face to face therapy, I encourage you to try that. I don’t use “treatments” as you put it. As I do not “treat” patiences. I leave that to the doctors. However, most of the people who come to me have already been down that path and find that the endless cycle of doctors, prescriptions and more doctor visits has not worked for them personally and they are searching for a new approach they have not tried. I teach real world skills that have worked for so many people. And I know they can work for you – IF – you’ll use them. I have learned what worked for me and provide that experience for those who wish to use it. There is no “cookie cutter approach” as we are each unique individuals. I have learned though coaching hundreds of clients all over the world, what works and more importantly what does not work. Saving you time and money that the long road of traditional face to face therapy requires.
But it’s YOUR choice. Because it’s YOUR life.
Taking the first step is the most difficult. Most are afraid and therefore do nothing. Those are the people I can help the most. I was one of them. I understand your fears. I understand your anxiety. I suffered needlessly for more than 30 years. The skills I can teach you can change your life – IF- you are willing to use them. That’s the catch. It’s up to you.
However, what is most important to me is that you get the help you need. I don’t care if it comes from me or from the professionals. Stop suffering the way you are… and take action. Change your life. Do something. If your gut tells you that you need professional help… don’t delay and pick up the phone and get help starting right now. I fully 100% support that!
I encourage you to make the right decision and do what is going to work best for you in your life. That is exactly the purpose of this new blog. Here’s wishing you all the courage you need to get the right help for you!
Thank you so much for posting…
Steven