The Star Card in Reversed: How to Control the Therapy Room with your Therapist
Entering the therapy room is enough pressure as it is, because you enter an environment with a person who does not know you. However, you are trusting this person to make it all better. You are hoping that by leaving the therapy room or logging off the computer everything will be fixed. I've been asked countless times if I can just make things better. If I can make the problem go away? Therapists do not hold a magic wand and make things better. You do.
Truth is you lost confidence in yourself and you became a harsh critic to yourself based on the people around you and life circumstances. I am here to tell you, you are the star in and out of the therapy room. Your low enthusiasm has caused you to look at therapy as a one time fix all with a 3 week fix. Therapy works, but it is based on what you do outside the therapy room.
I get it. It is annoying having another adult tell you what you need to do for homework like you are back in school. This time you have a choice on whether you want to do it or not. That choice reflects the growth of your progress in therapy. Everything you need is within you. Extra skills and insight was provided to you by the therapist based on your needs. You are the star. You are the magic that makes it happen. Proceed with enthusiasm and a positive outlook to find the results you need.
Here are some tips to consider to get you back motivated for therapy and doing the work outside of the therapy room:
Acknowledge that you did not want to do the homework or the suggested practices. Being honest with yourself opens up a conversation regarding avoidance.
It’s not scary, it's new to you. Your enthusiasm shapes your reality. Get excited to try out the therapeutic practices. That excitement taps into your subconscious, reshapes the brain, and leads with a new outlook on how to handle trying new things.
Be honest with your therapist and say “this did not work for me”. That allows your therapist to see if the therapeutic practice/skill fits your life at this moment.
