The following are a few suggestions to make your therapy experience more effective.
Before your appointment, write down questions, topics or issues that you would like to focus on during your appointment. Communicate throughout your therapy about your expectations so that we can work together towards your goal.
Provide feedback to me about your therapy. Evaluate your process! Let me know how I am doing.
If you need to increase or decrease the number of sessions or to end counseling, feel free to communicate these issues.
If you feel the need to bring a partner, relative or friend in with you to your session in order to work on some issues, feel free to do so. Please, discuss it with me prior to their arrival at the appointment.
At your request, I will be happy to consult with another professional involved in your care (i.e. a physician or an attorney) after you sign a written release of information allowing me to do so. It is not advisable to have more than one mental health advisor involved in your treatment at the same time.
Try to make a commitment to remain in therapy and attend regular sessions. It is more difficult to build long lasting life skills during a crisis.
If during our professional relationship you would like to see a different therapist, please speak to me. I can provide you a referral to other licensed professionals.
Remember, you are the expert on your own life!