How To Maximize Your Counseling Experience
So, you’ve found a counselor and scheduled an appointment. Or maybe you are contemplating whether counseling is for you. This professional relationship, grounded in trust, honesty, and collaboration, marks the beginning of addressing your concerns and overcoming challenges. Let us look at some ways to make the most of it.
It’s normal to feel hesitant or unfamiliar with this type of relationship, and that's something you can discuss with your counselor. The fear of judgment is common, but remember, counselors are not here to judge. They are here to help you understand what’s really happening and explore possible solutions. Professional counselors are trained and credentialed to guide you through this process while maintaining confidentiality.
Good counseling, among many things, can improve your emotional functioning, help you be more present at home/work, process grief/loss, expand your perspective, increase mental focus, and elevate the quality of your relationships.
A skilled counselor deeply understands the human condition, adopting a curious and exploratory approach to offer meaningful feedback. While they can diagnose and treat symptoms, counseling often goes beyond the surface to uncover deeper dilemmas, build on your strengths, and build a more wholesome life.
You can expect your counselor to:
-listen attentively
-focus in on your concerns
-teach new skills
-provide valuable feedback
-ask insightful questions
-encourage you to build new behaviors
With all of that said, here are some ways to get the most out of your sessions.
#1. Clarify Your Purpose.
This is important, especially in the first session. Have a goal, a topic, or an issue to address in mind. Counseling becomes much more effective when you have a clear purpose for the sessions. If you and your counselor can establish the ‘why’ you are seeking help, then the counselor can start to make the sessions helpful and meaningful to you. You don’t have to know everything about your problem, but having a general direction will improve the work.
#2. Ask Questions!
As a client, you have the right to be fully informed about the counseling process you're entering. Don’t hesitate to ask questions about your counselor, their approach, practice policies, fees, and expectations. Understanding the logistics of counseling will help you better prepare your budget and schedule, avoiding potential obstacles in your work together. In the complex world of mental health and therapy, no question is a dumb question.
#3. Be Open and Honest.
Your counseling session is your time—make the most of it. Feel free to share everything, from your past experiences to your proudest and most difficult moments. If you’re uncomfortable discussing something, bring that up with your counselor too. Trust, honesty, and open dialogue are among the most powerful tools in therapy. The unique nature of the counseling relationship provides a safe space to explore thoughts and feelings that may not surface in everyday life.
#4 Embrace The Emotional Aspect
Discussing your inner world with a counselor can bring relief. It can also stir up unpleasant feelings as you work to address the parts of life that are troubling you. Part of the counseling process is being able to face these strong emotions, examine them, and learn how to function WITH them. Many aspects of modern living teach us to ignore our emotional dimension. Counseling provides an open-minded space to express and process these emotions. To feel emotions is NORMAL, and is proof that you are ALIVE.
#5. Keep It Professional.
The nature of counseling, with its level of intimacy and disclosure, may make you see your counselor as a friend. It is important to keep in mind that it is a professional relationship with boundaries and common sense in place. A good counselor will generally refrain from disclosing undue personal details about themselves, to protect the professional nature of the relationship. If you find you are thinking of your counselor as a friend, bring it up and they can help you navigate these feelings. In general, you shouldn’t expect to meet with, interact with, or socialize with your counselor outside of session times.
#6. Bring Your Strengths, Talents, and Skills To The Table
When struggling psychologically, emotionally, or socially, it's easy to become focused solely on the negative aspects of living. When you engage in counseling, I encourage you to bring your existing strengths to the session—whether artistic talents, hobbies, or spiritual convictions. A good counselor addresses problems and helps channel or awaken your inner talents, making the counseling process more meaningful and effective for you.
#7. Reflect On The Counseling Relationship.
Counseling is a highly relational process, and finding the right counselor fit is essential. It's natural that not every personality will align, and that's perfectly okay. If you feel a disconnect with your counselor, communicate openly about it. This conversation could either strengthen the relationship or result in a referral to a counselor who is a better match for you.
Fundamentally, the aim of counseling should be to overcome challenges, enabling you—the client—to step out of the office and journey back towards a flourishing life. By embracing these strategies, you can foster a strong, productive partnership with your counselor and make meaningful progress in your personal growth and well-being.
If you are interested in counseling with me please call/text at 740-236-4618 or email at sthorn@thecounselingguild.com to set up a free 20-minute consultation to see if we may be a good fit!
All the best,
Spencer Thorn, LPC
