The Role of Therapy in Recovery & Healing
“Psychotherapy is a sanctuary; it is a battleground; it is a place I have been psychotic, neurotic, elated, confused, and despairing beyond belief.” Kay Redfield Jamison
The human experience is a difficult one. It is filled with joys and pains, beauty and despair…it is okay to need some help outside of yourself to navigate the very real hardships of life on this side of heaven. Therapy is of high value because it provides us with a safe place to do the work necessary to bring about positive change and freedom. Sessions are sacred ground where we get “messy” and real…where we are out of control, afraid, weary and defenseless…where we go to war for freedom’s sake. This sacred space, nourished in the trust nurtured between a therapist and a client, is fertile ground. It reaps what is sown in faith. Bounties of self-awareness, empowerment and healing are birthed from this place.
How does therapy help people get better?
Therapists are trained mental help professionals who come alongside you and/or your loved one to help you navigate through painful, challenging emotions and to guide you in small goals that lead to resolving why you sought out counseling in the first place. Therapy is a place where you prioritize time to sort through challenging thoughts, feelings, behaviors and memories. Your therapist will help you find the balance of stretching outside of your comfort zone for the sake of growth, but will protect you from pushing yourself too far too soon. You will be provided with an objective perspective on what you are sharing to help you observe patterns in your thinking, feeling and behaving. Doing so brings about self-awareness. Self-awareness is a powerful tool in counseling because it is the birthplace of positive change. You cannot change anything outside of your scope of awareness. The therapy space is one free of judgment and having to filter yourself. Your therapist will encourage you to be your most real, raw and unfiltered self in session. It is the one place you do not have to pretend.
What can I expect in participating in therapy?
The first thing to expect in therapy is that you will need to find the right therapist for you. It is crucial that you locate a therapist that has experience in the area(s) you are seeking support in and that you feel connected and comfortable with your therapist. Your therapist will spend the first few sessions evaluating the concerns that have brought you in, collecting vital background information and reviewing necessary paperwork. All of this information is used to help your therapist gain a clearer understanding of your history and the issues you would like to resolve through your counseling journey. From there, your therapist will create treatment plan goals and these goals will be the guiding direction of sessions to follow. Some treatment plan goals may include, but are not limited to: reducing anxiety/depression, learning and practicing healthy coping skills, establishing and engaging in a support system, increasing positive self-talk, etc. Your therapist will help you build insight to increase your self-awareness and will teach you healthy ways of managing challenges.
How can loved ones support and participate in therapy?
If your loved one is seeing a therapist and you desire to be a part of the process, start with having a conversation with the person in treatment. Be clear and kind as to how you desire to be a support in their recovery journey. As eager as you may be to help, be gentle and patient, as some people are overwhelmed and frustrated when they perceive others being too aggressive. If you have concerns about your loved one, you may contact their mental health provider at any time. If you and your loved both desire for you and the therapist to be able to communicate, the person in treatment will need to sign what is called a consent of release. This is a written document stating that the person in treatment is giving the therapist permission to talk to whomever they identify. Without this signed consent, the HIPPA law in the state of Pennsylvania prohibits therapists from releasing any information about their clients. It is always best practice to have a client’s loved ones and supports participate in the treatment process because people are more likely to succeed in their therapeutic goals when they have support and understanding. Know that it takes time for your loved one to learn, grow and change. Their growth may also challenge you to learn and change. Give your loved one a balance of accountability and grace as they demonstrate that they are sincerely working toward change.
What are barriers to participating in therapy?
Sometimes barriers arise in the therapeutic process. This is normal and can be addressed successfully if you are open and honest with your therapist. Do not disappear from treatment. We cannot help you if you do not show up. Talk to your counselor about things that may be making it challenging to continue. They will be happy to help you sort through these barriers in order to strengthen your recovery journey. Some barriers that may present themselves are: financial hardship, scheduling conflicts, defensiveness, painful memories, trauma, stigma of mental health and not being ready to do the therapeutic work required in and outside of session.
Therapy is an incredible and powerful work that can help you become free from the things that have entangled you. Therapy supports you living a satisfied, happy and purposeful life. There is nothing more profound and beautiful than to allow someone into your “mess” and to experience empathy, compassion and tenderness in the midst of it all. Establishing trust with your therapist is the key to producing the changes needed for your healing. If you or a loved one are struggling, please reach out. Know that there are professional helpers to guide, support and strengthen your recovery. Take that step. You’ll thank yourself later.
