How to Know If Therapy is Working for You - 4 Ways to Find Out

Although therapy is not a quick fix, people often enter therapy because they'd like something about their lives to be different. Depending on what you are bringing to therapy feeling significant changes after only a short period of time may not be realistic, and as a result you may become frustrated with yourself and the process of therapy.

Your therapist may have asked you what you'd like to get from therapy and how you know that therapy has been successful for you in your first session. Whilst it can be important to consider the end goal, solely focusing on it can take your attention away from subtle changes and shifts. These shifts are important to notice as they have the potential to increase your motivation and support your sense of direction in therapy.

Don't miss the signs of improvement that are indicative of that change you've been wanting. Here are 4 signs that therapy is helping you to improve your relationship with yourself...

Emotions are less of a foreign language

Emotions may have been challenging for you to confront and perhaps they still are, but maybe you aren't shying away from them quite as much anymore. Maybe you are finding yourself becoming more inquisitive and open to understanding and feeling what is within and you are beginning to find the words to speak from this place. This isn't to say that there will never be times when emotions feel more challenging to express, but you may notice a willingness to express them that wasn't there before. You may also observe a growing capacity to sit with your emotions for longer periods of time than you have done in the past.

Personal care is higher on the agenda

Prior to engaging in therapy caring for yourself might have been last on your list. Attending therapy regularly is in itself an act of self-care and you may find yourself wanting to do more things that are just for you. Caring for yourself doesn't have to be a grand gesture. It can be something that you find yourself including more as part of your usual routine such as, choosing a healthier meal option, journaling, getting outdoors more and beginning to think about your personal interests and hobbies.

Your upcoming session doesn't fill you with dread

Your first therapy session can be daunting! Maybe you were fearful about what would come to the surface when you started talking to your therapist. Perhaps you felt apprehensive about how therapy would work or whether it was really right for you. Opening up to a complete stranger is scary. You may have felt worried about being judged or shamed, you may have felt self-conscious or nervous. However, after a few sessions with your therapist it is likely that you have started to feel comfortable and safe in their company. You've now experienced how they respond to information that you've shared so far and a trusting therapeutic alliance is starting to form. You may notice that you are now looking forward to your therapy sessions.

You have learnt some new skills

Depending on what you have shared in therapy so far you may have received some psycho-education or discussed with your therapist a new way to look at an issue that you are facing. Your therapy should be allowing you the space to explore healthy ways of coping that resonate with you. Even if your therapy hasn't included tools and techniques yet, the experience of being present with the compassionate, empathetic and accepting approach that your therapist models may be teaching you a whole new way of relating to yourself.

It is important to note that successful therapy can be dependent on different factors such as, your commitment and readiness, your relationship with your therapist, and their therapeutic approach. Not every person will have the same experience in therapy. Therapy isn't a passive engagement, it is a relationship. The outcome very much involves you and how much effort you are willing to put into the process. Opening yourself up to a therapeutic relationship with your therapist can be a truly life changing experience of which the benefits will be experienced long after therapy has ended.

Disclaimer: Information and opinions in this blog do not constitute as therapy or personalised professional advice. If you feel that you would like personalised support from a qualified Psychotherapist you are welcome to book a free introductory call with me or search for a therapist on online directories such as the Counselling Directory or Psychology Today .

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