The decision to see a therapist is not an easy one to make and there can be some back and forth which is a struggle for some. There is also stigma and sometimes shame associated with being a service user that can cause more difficulties in getting the help we need.Sri Lanka is still in it's infancy when it comes to Psychology and Psychotherapy so there maybe questions and concerns that you, the people, might have.
This is an attempt to answer some of those questions so that the entire process of going for therapy might be made easier for you.
1. We go for therapy due to different reasons. We may have a crisis that we need help with or a lingering problem that needs to be solved, or sometimes parents, teachers, and elders may force us to see a therapist. This is difficult for some of us and might cause some confusion and doubt. We might not be ready, or not willing to start therapy and that is okay. There is no need to rush unless we are in dire circumstances or if there is a potential risk of harming ourselves or someone else.
2. It is important to have an initial conversation with the person who might be your potential therapist either over the phone or in person. This conversation would help you know more about the background and qualifications of the person so that you feel more confident. The advantage of such a conversation is also that both the therapist and you would be able to ascertain whether you are suitable for each other. You have the opportunity here to clear any doubts or concerns you might have.
3. Therapy is a transparent process and so is the fee charged by the therapist or the service for the provision of services. Ask your therapist details about charges for both assessments and psychotherapy,
4. The first time you meet your therapist would involve an assessment and history taking, where the therapist would ask you questions about different aspects of your life. You will also be asked about signs and symptoms that you experience and difficulties that you face in your life. This might be overwhelming for some of us, to open up, to share certain things we have never shared with anyone else. However therapy is a safe space, where you have the opportunity to be yourself and also to share your vulnerability with someone who is accepting and non-judgemental.
5. Your therapist will also discuss issues concerning boundaries and confidentiality with you. Ask questions, and clarify any issues that might crop up.
6. There maybe instances where your therapist might seek information from a family member/s and this would be done with your consent. You can also invite family members to join you in session and this decision can be made collaboratively with your therapist.
7. You might find your therapist jotting down notes while in session and this would most often be done with your consent and you will be able to read those notes as well. You can request for notes at any time and you can share those notes with family members etc if you wish to. It is the responsibility of the therapist to make sure that records are kept safe and confidential and they will not be divulged to anyone without your informed consent. However there are limits to confidentiality and this would be discussed with you in the first session.
8. Standardized assessments might sometimes be conducted to get a baseline score or to measure progress so that you know that your therapeutic goals are being met. These assessments include comprehensive reports that your therapist will share with you. You can ask him/her for a copy.
9. A session would usually last up to fifty minutes or one hour but this is flexible and you can discuss this with your therapist.
10. It is okay to cry in session, because it is your session. and you can be your authentic self. You will not be criticized or judged. You are safe in therapy and your therapist will hold space for you.
11. There will come a time where therapy has to end, and endings are often difficult, no matter whether it is a therapeutic relationship or otherwise. Your therapist will work with you towards this and you will most likely have booster sessions after a certain period of time so that you can follow up on any issues that may come up.
12.Finally, you have the responsibility as a client to inform your therapist of any difficulty keeping to appointments, and also to engage in any homework given in session. You are an active catalyst of change and in order to achieve your therapeutic goals, there needs to be commitment and mutual respect in the therapeutic relationship.
Disclaimer: I've written this post both from the perspective of a practitioner and a client, because as a student of Psychology, I've been in therapy too.
This is an attempt to answer some of those questions so that the entire process of going for therapy might be made easier for you.
1. We go for therapy due to different reasons. We may have a crisis that we need help with or a lingering problem that needs to be solved, or sometimes parents, teachers, and elders may force us to see a therapist. This is difficult for some of us and might cause some confusion and doubt. We might not be ready, or not willing to start therapy and that is okay. There is no need to rush unless we are in dire circumstances or if there is a potential risk of harming ourselves or someone else.
2. It is important to have an initial conversation with the person who might be your potential therapist either over the phone or in person. This conversation would help you know more about the background and qualifications of the person so that you feel more confident. The advantage of such a conversation is also that both the therapist and you would be able to ascertain whether you are suitable for each other. You have the opportunity here to clear any doubts or concerns you might have.
3. Therapy is a transparent process and so is the fee charged by the therapist or the service for the provision of services. Ask your therapist details about charges for both assessments and psychotherapy,
4. The first time you meet your therapist would involve an assessment and history taking, where the therapist would ask you questions about different aspects of your life. You will also be asked about signs and symptoms that you experience and difficulties that you face in your life. This might be overwhelming for some of us, to open up, to share certain things we have never shared with anyone else. However therapy is a safe space, where you have the opportunity to be yourself and also to share your vulnerability with someone who is accepting and non-judgemental.
5. Your therapist will also discuss issues concerning boundaries and confidentiality with you. Ask questions, and clarify any issues that might crop up.
6. There maybe instances where your therapist might seek information from a family member/s and this would be done with your consent. You can also invite family members to join you in session and this decision can be made collaboratively with your therapist.
7. You might find your therapist jotting down notes while in session and this would most often be done with your consent and you will be able to read those notes as well. You can request for notes at any time and you can share those notes with family members etc if you wish to. It is the responsibility of the therapist to make sure that records are kept safe and confidential and they will not be divulged to anyone without your informed consent. However there are limits to confidentiality and this would be discussed with you in the first session.
8. Standardized assessments might sometimes be conducted to get a baseline score or to measure progress so that you know that your therapeutic goals are being met. These assessments include comprehensive reports that your therapist will share with you. You can ask him/her for a copy.
9. A session would usually last up to fifty minutes or one hour but this is flexible and you can discuss this with your therapist.
10. It is okay to cry in session, because it is your session. and you can be your authentic self. You will not be criticized or judged. You are safe in therapy and your therapist will hold space for you.
11. There will come a time where therapy has to end, and endings are often difficult, no matter whether it is a therapeutic relationship or otherwise. Your therapist will work with you towards this and you will most likely have booster sessions after a certain period of time so that you can follow up on any issues that may come up.
12.Finally, you have the responsibility as a client to inform your therapist of any difficulty keeping to appointments, and also to engage in any homework given in session. You are an active catalyst of change and in order to achieve your therapeutic goals, there needs to be commitment and mutual respect in the therapeutic relationship.
Disclaimer: I've written this post both from the perspective of a practitioner and a client, because as a student of Psychology, I've been in therapy too.
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