There’s a stark contrast between attending therapy sessions and truly benefiting from them.
The crux of the matter lies in our habits, often unnoticed ones.
You see, going to therapy is an attempt to better understand ourselves and navigate life more smoothly.
However, without realizing it, we sometimes carry certain habits that can hinder our progress.
Now, this isn’t about blaming or punishing yourself. It’s about recognizing these patterns and learning how to break free from them.
And remember, the first step towards change is awareness, so let’s dive into it.
1) Unconscious resistance
Let me tell you, therapy isn’t a magical cure. It demands active participation from our side.
Imagine therapy as a journey. A journey where the therapist is your guide, but you’re the one steering the wheel.
However, sometimes, without even realizing it, we might resist taking control of that wheel.
This unconscious resistance can come in various forms. For some, it may be a reluctance to discuss certain topics or feelings.
For others, it might appear as frequent cancellations or arriving late to sessions.
While it’s completely okay to have fears and hesitations, not addressing them can halt our progress in therapy.
It’s not about being perfect or doing everything right.
It’s about understanding these habits and consciously working towards changing them.
Get Smarter Everyday Join Us On WhatsApp
And believe me, that’s where the real growth happens.
2) Not applying the insights
Now, let me share a personal experience. I recall when I first started therapy, I was completely absorbed in our sessions.
I would nod along, take notes, and feel enlightened at the end of each session.
Then, I’d step out of the therapist’s office and into the real world.
And everything learned would stay behind in that office.
My behaviors, my reactions, my habits – they all remained unchanged.
It took me a while to realize that therapy isn’t just about understanding our thoughts and emotions.
It’s about applying those insights into our everyday life.
The real challenge lies in bridging the gap between the therapist’s office and the real world.
You see, understanding is just the first step, applying is where the actual change happens.
It’s okay if you don’t get it right away.
The key is to keep trying until those insights become a part of who you are.
3) Overlooking the significance of small wins
Progress in therapy is often measured in small, incremental steps. It’s not about grand revelations or dramatic transformations.
Most significant therapeutic changes happen subtly, over time.
Get Smarter Everyday Join Us On WhatsApp
But here’s where we sometimes falter. We tend to downplay these small wins, these tiny shifts in our thinking or behavior.
We wait for these ‘aha’ moments and miss out on the subtle transformations happening right under our noses.
The key to progress lies in celebrating these small victories.
Recognizing a thought pattern, resisting a negative impulse, or even just showing up for therapy – they’re all significant steps towards personal growth.
Next time you find yourself discounting your progress, remember that every tiny step forward is still a step in the right direction.
4) Expecting instant solutions
Therapy, much like life, is a journey, not a race. And yet, we often find ourselves in a hurry to reach the finish line.
We crave instant solutions, quick fixes to our problems.
But here’s the thing – therapy doesn’t work that way. It’s not a magic wand that can make our troubles disappear overnight.
It requires time, patience, and most importantly, persistence.
You see, our issues didn’t develop overnight, so it’s unfair to expect them to vanish instantly. Healing takes time.
It’s a process of unlearning old patterns and adopting new ones.
If you find yourself getting impatient with the pace of your progress, remind yourself that real change takes time.
And trust me, it’s worth the wait.
Get Smarter Everyday Join Us On WhatsApp
5) Avoiding discomfort
I remember when I first started therapy, there were certain topics I’d instinctively shy away from.
Discussions that made me uncomfortable or stirred up painful memories. It felt safer to steer clear of those stormy waters.
But over time, I realized that growth often happens in those uncomfortable spaces.
Those are the areas that need our attention the most.
Avoiding discomfort may seem like a self-protective measure, but it can often keep us stuck in the same patterns.
It’s like putting a band-aid on a wound that needs stitches.
Therapy is about facing these uncomfortable truths and working through them, no matter how difficult it may seem.
And let me tell you, it’s in those moments of discomfort that we find our greatest strength.
6) Neglecting self-care
Therapy is a tool for self-improvement, true. But it’s not the only tool in our toolbox.
Often, we forget that our overall wellbeing plays a crucial role in our therapeutic progress.
Are we sleeping enough? Eating well? Exercising regularly? Taking time out for leisure activities?
All these factors significantly impact our mental health.
Neglecting self-care is akin to trying to drive a car with an empty fuel tank.
No matter how hard you push, you won’t get very far.
While therapy is an essential part of the journey, don’t forget to take care of your basic needs.
Get Smarter Everyday Join Us On WhatsApp
It can make a world of difference in your overall progress.
7) Lack of trust in the process
At the heart of any successful therapeutic journey is trust.
Trust in your therapist, certainly, but more importantly, trust in yourself and the process.
Therapy is a journey of self-discovery and change. It can be messy, challenging, and at times, downright scary.
But trusting in the process allows you to navigate these challenges with courage and resilience.
Remember, therapy isn’t a linear journey. There will be ups and downs, progress and setbacks.
But each step, no matter how small or uncertain, brings you closer to understanding yourself better and living a healthier life.
Trust in yourself. Trust in the process. Trust that you’re capable of growth and change.
It’s this trust that will carry you through the journey of therapy and beyond.
Final thought: It’s all about awareness
The complexities of human behavior and habits are intricately woven into our psyche.
One such nuance is the patterns we unknowingly exhibit during our therapeutic journey.
Yes, these patterns can hinder our growth.
They might even frustrate us, making us feel stuck. But remember, they aren’t unchangeable.
Awareness is a powerful tool. It’s the first step towards change.
Get Smarter Everyday Join Us On WhatsApp
By recognizing these habits, we open a doorway to understanding ourselves better and making meaningful progress in therapy.
Whether it’s addressing our unconscious resistance, applying insights into daily life, celebrating small wins, or trusting the process, each step takes us closer to our goal.
Next time you find yourself questioning your progress in therapy, take a moment to reflect on these habits.
You might just uncover the key to unlocking your therapeutic growth.
Therapy is not a destination but a journey. And every journey begins with a single step of awareness.
If you found this blog post insightful be sure to share it with those out there that are still not aware of it Don't forget to FOLLOW US on Facebook and hit the LIKE button for more new content. Thanks so much for reading.....
