If you are considering therapy for the first time and wondering what-to-talk-about-in-therapy, or maybe you have been in therapy for a while but not sure what you should be talking about, then this is for you! Talk about what is on your mind in the moment First, there is no “right” or “wrong” thing to talk about in therapy. Many people will use the space to process what is going on in the present. If you do not find this an effective use of time, continue reading… Talk about your goals By the 3rd session, you and your therapist will discuss what your goals are for therapy. Talking about your goals each week is a good way to stay accountable and make progress in therapy. Please ask your therapist to remind you of your goals if you do not know that these are. Take notes throughout the week of areas to address Many individuals find that keeping a journal in-between session to be helpful. The journal can be brought into session to jot down things that resonate with you in therapy as well as write down homework to do before the next session. Talk about your relationships If it is difficult to directly talk about yourself, then talking about your relationships may be a great place to start! Our relationships impact so many areas of mental health, so exploring relational themes in relationship may be for you. Explore thoughts and feelings Thoughts and feelings are a classic area to talk about in therapy! Your therapist can utilize a variety of therapeutic interventions to help explore emotions and work with your thoughts (whether they be in the past, present, or future). Your therapist can help you develop a “feelings vocabulary” to put feelings into words. Talk about the areas that are avoided or bring discomfort Topics that bring shame or discomfort and therefore avoided are ones that are safe to talk about in therapy. Sex? Compulsions? Trauma? Insecurities? These are just a few topics that come up frequently. Maybe there is something that you have not talked to others about because you found it to be insignificant. These things matter in therapy. You matter and whatever you want (or do not want) to talk about also matter! The Client-Therapist Relationship This can be difficult to bring up but can help when there is a lull in treatment. Sometimes it can take time to build trust. Sometimes you may not feel like there is a good fit, for whatever reason with your therapist and would like to consider meeting with someone with a different approach. Perhaps you have been in therapy for a while, and you are ready to wrap up the therapeutic relationship and discharge from treatment. These are important topics to initiate in therapy. Finally, if you are searching for things to talk about in therapy then maybe a moment of silence may be helpful. Written By: Charlotte Johnson, MA, LPCC We’re Here to helpOur wellness experts will be happy to take care of you. You can CLICK HERE to schedule an appointment now or call (612)223-8898. Meet CliniciansWe’re united by our commitment to providing effective, relevant, and innovative mental health support at all stages of your journey. Click Here to find out more about who we are, where we come from, and how we live out CARE’s mission every day. The professionals at CARE are actively collecting and creating resources to help with what you need. We’re Here for You. from https://care-clinics.com/18767-2/ from https://careclinics.weebly.com/blog/what-will-you-talk-about-in-therapy
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No Name Calling: The Harm in Innocent TeasingTeasing What comes to mind for you? Do you think of friendly banter, affectionate, maybe even flirty teasing? Teasing to embarrass somewhat, but in a playful way? Maybe in the form of a nickname, joke, or light-hearted insult? Or Does teasing feel more like taunting, in which someone else is making fun of you in a mean way? Does your identity feel threatened due to being targeted or bullied for being different? Does teasing take the form of jokes that are inappropriate or offensive [e.g., racist, sexist, homophobic]? How is your sense of self impacted? Teasing may persist even after an individual has given cues that they do not like what is happening. This can be complicated when the other individual may not pick up on or mis-read cues. I have seen this all the time with kids on the playground who are “play-fighting” and end up angry and upset as things escalate. While those who are “just teasing” may have the intent to joke in light-heated fun, teasing can easily cross lines into harassment and bullying. I am saddened when individuals who think they are “just teasing” are calling names, causing emotional harm, and may also cross or violate physical boundaries. It is important to ask before touching someone. Touching someone without their consent is never a good idea. If someone has asked you to NOT say or do something, then please respect that. Paying attention to your use of language, especially when it comes to labels that are often assigned to others is also important. For individuals struggling with their mental health or a substance disorder, educate yourself on terms-to-avoid to describe others [e.g., addict, alcoholic, schizophrenic]. Also be aware of how you are responding to others who are experiencing emotional distress. Instead of: “You must be [crazy, etc.] to see a therapist.” “What’s wrong with you?!” “You are too [emotional, sensitive, fill in the blank]” Try this instead:
Written By: Charlotte Johnson, MA, LPCC We’re Here to helpOur wellness experts will be happy to take care of you. You can CLICK HERE to schedule an appointment now or call (612)223-8898. Meet CliniciansWe’re united by our commitment to providing effective, relevant, and innovative mental health support at all stages of your journey. Click Here to find out more about who we are, where we come from, and how we live out CARE’s mission every day. The professionals at CARE are actively collecting and creating resources to help with what you need. We’re Here for You. from https://care-clinics.com/the-harm-in-innocent-teasing/ from https://careclinics.weebly.com/blog/the-harm-in-innocent-teasing |
AuthorHello its me Lisa Johnson i am 32 years old from Mission, TX. I am professional family therapist and i also deals in adult therapy and children’s therapy. Archives
April 2023
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