For more than five decades, Marblehead Counseling Center has been providing direct services to individuals and families in the town of Marblehead and our surrounding communities. But as the number of people turning to therapeutic interventions continues to surge, it’s more important than ever for clients to know how to get the most from their therapy sessions. Clients get out of therapy what they put into it.
At MCC, we’ve found you really can prepare for success with some simple strategies. Step one for patients is to think about their goals so that you can share these with your provider. Take a moment to list what you need and want from therapy. It doesn’t have to be anything elaborate, and goals can change as you dive into the work. If you really don’t know where to start, there are many places to investigate the creation of S.M.A.R.T. (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) therapy goals. (growtherapy.com/blog/what-are-smart-goals-in-therapy/)
Nearly 60 million American adults, or one-in-five people, will have a diagnosable mental health condition in any given year, and one-in-seven youth ages 6-17 will experience a mental health disorder. There are approximately 200,000 licensed therapists and 81,000 psychologists delivering essential services to clients in the U.S. It’s important to remember that this is a collaboration between you and your provider. You need to feel comfortable enough to be honest about what’s going on in your life, but also in your relationship with your therapist. If something isn’t working for you, speak up so that it can be addressed. Be an active participant in this journey.
Knowing what you are trying to accomplish in therapy and consistently working towards it is key. Show up to your appointment, do the work you are assigned and try to have an open mind. Therapy has changed over time. For instance, I use Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing with some of my clients, which has been shown to help with PTSD, among other diagnoses. It wasn’t widely used when I started out. We used to meet face-to-face with everyone, but today, we can accommodate both in person and online types of sessions, based on client preferences.
There are also different types of therapy and therapists available, such as cognitive behaviorists, who help identify unhealthy, negative beliefs and highlight coping strategies, versus psychoanalysts who analyze thoughts and behavior and look at motivation.
We also strongly suggest you try out some of the new strategies you are learning in sessions. Report back to your provider if something is working, or not. Remember that you are looking for progress, not perfection at this point. It might take time to feel any improvement. It’s all part of getting healthier.
Is it worth it? In a recent mental health survey by ThriveWorks, an incredible 87% of people who undergo therapy report that their lives have improved from the experience, citing boosted confidence, happiness and self esteem.
Types of therapists
- Cognitive behavioral therapy: Helps identify unhealthy, negative beliefs and behaviors and learn healthier coping skills.
- Dialectical behavior therapy: Type of CBT that teaches behavioral skills to help handle stress, manage emotions and improve relationships with others.
- Acceptance and commitment therapy: Helps with awareness and acceptance of thoughts and feelings and commitment to making changes. Improves ability to cope with, and adjust to, challenging situations.
- Psychodynamic and psychoanalysis therapies: Increase awareness of thoughts and behaviors, investigates motivation and help with conflict resolution.
- Interpersonal psychotherapy: Focuses on problems with relationships and improving relationships to others.
- Supportive psychotherapy: Improves ability to cope with stress and difficult situations.
Source: Mayo Clinic
Resources
samhsa.gov/mental-health/what-is-mental-health/facts
nami.org/about-mental-illness/mental-health-by-the-numbers/
harmonyhit.com/state-of-gen-z-mental-health/
integrativepsychology.org/us-mental-health-workforce-stats
thriveworks.com/help-with/research/pulse-on-mental-health-report/
Marie Oullette, LICSW, has been the chief clinical officer at Marblehead Counseling Center for the past five years, and in practice for 32 years. She has worked with a wide range of diagnoses in both children and adults, including bipolar, depression, anxiety, phobias and trauma, as well as elder issues and women’s issues during her three decades as a clinician.
