How to approach therapy

Going to therapy is a brave and positive step for your mental health. I'm glad
you are considering it. 😊

What you should tell your therapist depends on your goals and needs, but
generally speaking, you can tell them anything that is bothering you or
affecting your well-being. Your therapist is there to help you, not to judge
you or make you feel bad. They are trained to handle different issues and
emotions, and they are bound by confidentiality and ethics.

Some examples of things you can tell your therapist are:

● Your feelings and thoughts, especially the ones that are difficult or
uncomfortable to express.

● Your symptoms and how they affect your daily life.

● Your goals and expectations for therapy.

● Your personal history and background, including any trauma or abuse

you have experienced.

● Your relationships and how they impact you.

● Your coping strategies and habits, both healthy and unhealthy.

● Your fears and challenges, as well as your strengths and achievements.

● Your feedback and questions about the therapy process.

There is no right or wrong way to talk to your therapist, as long as you are
honest and respectful. You can go at your own pace and share what you feel
comfortable with. You don't have to tell them everything in the first session, or
ever. You have the right to keep some things private if you choose to.
However, the more open and trusting you are with your therapist, the more
they can help you.

There are some things that you should never tell your therapist, such as:

● Anything that is illegal or harmful to yourself or others. Your therapist

has a duty to report these situations to protect you and the public.

● Anything that is false or misleading. Lying or hiding information from

your therapist can interfere with your progress and damage the
therapeutic relationship.
 ● Anything that is inappropriate or disrespectful. Your therapist is a
professional, not a friend or a romantic partner. You should not make
sexual advances, personal insults, or unreasonable demands on your
therapist. These behaviors can harm the therapy process and may result
in termination of services.

I hope this helps you prepare for therapy and feel more confident about what
to tell your therapist. Remember that therapy is a collaborative and
confidential process that aims to help you improve your mental health and
well-being. You can trust your therapist to listen, support, and guide you along
the way.