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Is it OK to see a therapist just to talk?
Therapy offers an opportunity to sort through your problems with another person. Sometimes, just talking about the things that are bothering you can help you to feel less burdened or overwhelmed. Talking to a therapist gives you an opportunity to open up to someone in a safe and confidential environment. The short answer is that you can tell your therapist anything – and they hope that you do. It’s a good idea to share as much as possible, because that’s the only way they can help you. There are various reasons a therapist might be unable to work with you, such as lacking expertise in a key area you need support with, what insurance they accept, or conflicts of interest. There are various reasons a therapist may refuse treatment. Although it may feel like rejection, it’s typically not personal. Your therapist’s relationship with you exists between sessions, even if you don’t communicate with each other. She thinks of your conversations, as well, continuing to reflect on key moments as the week unfolds. She may even reconsider an opinion she had or an intervention she made during a session. You therapist is required to maintain confidentiality about everything said in sessions between the two of you, just like a doctor is required to keep your records private. While there are laws and regulations in place to protect your privacy, confidentiality is also a key part of psychology’s code of ethics. They point to a theme I often hear from therapists: We want clients to be as invested in the process as we are. We like it when they’re motivated to work in and out of the session, ready to try new things and willing to look deep inside. When these ideal elements are in place, therapy tends to progress nicely.
How many times a week should someone talk to a therapist?
Therapy has been found to be most productive when incorporated into a client’s lifestyle for approximately 12-16 sessions, most typically delivered in once weekly sessions for 45 minutes each. For most folks that turns out to be about 3-4 months of once weekly sessions. Therapy can last anywhere from one session to several months or even years. It all depends on what you want and need. Some people come to therapy with a very specific problem they need to solve and might find that one or two sessions is sufficient. In fact, a lot of therapists take the entire month off. This has a WONDERFUL effect on “supply and demand” for therapists who are hoping to pick up more private pay clients. During August, a therapist who is actually available to receive new client inquiries is poised for success. Of those respondents, almost eight in 10 (79%) would rather have therapy during the workweek instead of the weekend (12%). About one-quarter (26%) prefer to have their session on a Wednesday, specifically. Results: For depression, the study shows that having 6-8 sessions offers more benefit than 1-5 sessions. Having more than eight sessions does not confer any additional benefit. Indeed, there is little difference between 1-5 sessions and more than eight sessions for depression.
Is it OK to tell your therapist everything?
What can I tell my therapist? The short answer is that you can tell your therapist anything – and they hope that you do. It’s a good idea to share as much as possible, because that’s the only way they can help you. The therapist will ask questions about your presenting concerns, as well as your history and background. Most likely, you’ll find yourself talking about your current symptoms or struggles, as well saying a bit about your relationships, your interests, your strengths, and your goals. You may not have experienced a healthy intimate relationship. It might feel safe to have feelings for your therapist because they won’t be returned (in an ethical, professional relationship). You have unmet needs in your relationships, and your sessions might often discuss issues relating to love and/or sex. If you are someone who has lost a therapist, I encourage you to take that loss seriously. Seek comfort from close, trusted friends and family members. Disclose when necessary or when helpful for you. Consider attending the funeral, if your instincts suggest it.