Therapy is a valuable tool for improving our mental health, developing better habits, and gaining a clearer understanding of ourselves. It’s a process that involves clear and open communication between the patient and their care provider.
At times, this process may feel intimidating or daunting, especially when you have issues that you want to bring up but may not know how to articulate them. Here are some helpful tips for expressing your concerns to your therapist and how you communicate with confidence during your sessions.
Be Clear and Direct
Clarity is important when you’re communicating with your therapist. Consider what you want to talk about before your session starts. Maybe you feel that you need to focus more on a specific topic or that a particular aspect of therapy isn’t working for you.
A direct statement like “I want to explore this issue more deeply” helps your therapist understand your perspective right away. Honesty and precision maintain a stable conversation and allow your therapist to adapt their approach to meet your specific needs.
Share Your Emotional Reactions
It’s not always easy to share your emotional reactions with a therapist, even one that you trust. One of the many benefits of telehealth therapy is that some people are more comfortable sharing emotional feelings through a screen rather than in a face-to-face setting. However, no matter what type of therapy you’re in, it helps to bring your emotions to the session and use them to lead to powerful breakthroughs.
Rely on open communication so your therapist can tailor sessions to your experiences. Letting them know that something upset you or left you feeling confused or frustrated opens the door for a more productive dialogue.
Ask Questions and Seek Clarification
A helpful tip for expressing your concerns to your therapist is to ask questions. Far too many patients just nod along or agree with what their providers say, but it’s perfectly alright to request more clarification. Perhaps a therapeutic technique or a term they used doesn’t make sense to you, or their interpretation of an issue feels off.
Asking questions bolsters collaboration and creates healthier communication. Your therapist wants you to understand and feel connected to the process, and your questions will create that mutual understanding.
Expressing concerns to your therapist is a crucial step in advocating for your mental health. It’s a partnership that thrives on honesty and collaboration, so don’t be afraid to voice your feelings to make meaningful progress.
