What to Expect From Therapy
By Lorie Taylor, LPCC
As tender humans, we all feel a little anxious when we try something new. Can I say to you that it’s perfectly normal to feel some anxiety and maybe even a bit of fear when you may be considering therapy? Sometimes clients will ask “what am I supposed to do?” or “what should I be feeling?” or maybe “how does this work?” For those of us with a trauma history, these are important concerns!
First off, let’s just get to know each other and give you a chance to share your story at a pace and in the detail that your most anxious part is comfortable with. Your internal sense of caution will let us know where your boundaries are, and we’ll work together to help you maintain your sense of balance. There are some great ways that we can work with your body and brain to address issues and maintain a calm space.
With a combination of curiosity and compassion we can explore the story of you and your experiences. Using tools that can explore family relationships and internal messages (and how those messages impacted us), we can gently heal the areas of pain. As we consider your unique family story, which shapes the views we hold of others and ourselves, we find important clues that lead us to a better understanding of ourselves and our experiences. Maybe we meet a frightened young part of us who knew only the pain and terror of abuse or abandonment. We may find a hidden young child in us that is always looking for fun, presents, or a party, and keeps us broke financially. Or perhaps we finally face the harsh Internal Critic that continually reminds us of every past hurt and looming failure. It’s in this process of exploration that we discover the bits that may need re-framed or reprocessed to allow our best selves to move forward and relieve these inner parts of the burdens they’ve been carrying for years.
If this sounds like a bit of an adventure, then perhaps it is. There is no greater story than the story of YOU, with all your ancestors behind you and the unwritten chapters of the future in front of you. I consider it a privilege to walk along with you for this part of your journey. Together we can transform your relationship with yourself and in turn with others, allowing you to live the very best version of your life.
