Expectations of Therapy
Psychotherapy can be a powerful and life-changing experience. Participation in therapy can result in a number of benefits to you, including improving interpersonal relationships and resolution of the specific concerns that lead you to seek therapy. Working toward these benefits, however, requires effort on your part. Many of us enter therapy hoping to get some quick relief from the distress we are experiencing, but effective psychotherapy requires your active involvement, honesty, and openness in order to help you make the changes you desire in your life. If you work as an active participant in your own treatment, you can expect therapy will be well worth the time and money you invest.
Psychotherapy may result in decisions about changing behaviors. Sometimes it will be easy and swift, but more often it will be slower and at times, downright frustrating. Keep in mind, change is complex and the reasons that have brought you to this point didn't occur overnight.