Because you matter.

Helpful Tips for Getting the Most Out of Therapy

• To get the most out of your session, come on time and think beforehand about what you would like to discuss.  If you are a parent, help your child review what we are working on so he or she can be prepared for session.
• Remember that therapy does not “fix” someone.  It can help someone gain insight and make positive changes only if the person is ready to work hard and face some difficult issues.
• If you have time, try to build in a little downtime after session.  This can help you recover if you have had a particularly intense or emotional session.
• Part of therapy is giving feedback about the process itself.  If something is working, that’s great.  If it isn’t working, I need to know that too.  I will give you feedback as well.

And these tips from Melissa Miles (PsychCentral.com)

• Taking therapy seriously, as if it is a class you want to get an "A" in by doing the assignments the therapist assigns you.
• Think about the session and what you and your therapist have talked about outside of the session.
• Get family members or friends involved in your therapy experience, by talking about your sessions and assignments and tell them what they can do to help you.
• Keep a journal, writing down times when you feel like you have "slipped up" or when you feel like you are making progress, and keep it in mind to talk about with your therapist.
• Be patient–sometimes the most "productive" therapy session or time while you are in therapy is when you feel frustrated or even depressed.
• Do one nice thing for yourself a day, and take one day a month to do something totally nice and fun just for you–therapy will be helped by your appreciating yourself, making mental health more valuable.
• Remember, therapy is hard work, an investment in your mental health, but just as in exercise, the rewards can be invaluable.