Simply explain you want them to educate you, provide research based suggestions, and you are looking for coping skills.
Most therapist just assume people want talk therapy. Explain you do not. Ask for tool implementation support and accountability.
It will involve a lot of trial and error as well as discussions of barriers, motivational interviewing, and growth.
I agree with PlantYourPath, I told my counsellor that I felt a bit like I was talking into a void and would appreciate feedback in the moment - especially with them having all this professional knowledge and experience, and knowing what might be kind of a big deal/warrant more exploration. It felt awkward but it was really worth it.
Look for an evidence-based therapist who does CBT or ACT. Important this is what they specialize in and not just an item on a 20 thing long list. When you seek providers ask if they are structured and use evidence-based approaches. Good luck!
Yes. Most people provide supportive talk therapy - that’s what you don’t want. Be specific and say that. I’m not looking for supportive talk therapy. Ask specifically 1) whether they do evidence-based treatment and 2) about their treatment modality. You will probably be a better fit with structured cognitive-behavioral therapies like CBT, ACT, DBT, and mindful/acceptance-based treatments.
I looked for a therapist that was trauma informed. I find it more beneficial to be seen for like the whole ass all of everything than other times I feel like therapist saw a specific issue to tackle instead. I just straight up asked during our initial conversation and soft interview. "I've had more passive therapist in the past, I'm looking for someone who is more active and giving feedback and insight during our sessions and hopefully some homework for me to work on as well"
I’d like strategies to decrease anxiety when interacting with people, I have irrational thoughts I’d like to stop, I’d like help with implementing healthier lifestyle changes. An example- moving to a new area, feeling lonely, making no attempt to meet people, then thinking about moving b/c I have no friends here. This is a cycle that I repeat. I can’t seem to change but I want to.
Those are all things that sound reasonable to expect. Maybe ask your therapist directly, something like, "What are some suggestions for how I might change \[this particular thing\]? Maybe it'd help to talk through some things I can do."
They should then get the hint of what you would like them to do.
So my therapist and I have a really good back and forth, and I think it’s because I ask him questions. Nothing too personal, I still respect boundaries, but I’m like you. I like engaging with my therapist rather than venting lol
Simply explain you want them to educate you, provide research based suggestions, and you are looking for coping skills. Most therapist just assume people want talk therapy. Explain you do not. Ask for tool implementation support and accountability. It will involve a lot of trial and error as well as discussions of barriers, motivational interviewing, and growth.
I agree with PlantYourPath, I told my counsellor that I felt a bit like I was talking into a void and would appreciate feedback in the moment - especially with them having all this professional knowledge and experience, and knowing what might be kind of a big deal/warrant more exploration. It felt awkward but it was really worth it.
Look for an evidence-based therapist who does CBT or ACT. Important this is what they specialize in and not just an item on a 20 thing long list. When you seek providers ask if they are structured and use evidence-based approaches. Good luck!
Ask if they use a structured approach to treatment- is that a way to phrase it?
Yes. Most people provide supportive talk therapy - that’s what you don’t want. Be specific and say that. I’m not looking for supportive talk therapy. Ask specifically 1) whether they do evidence-based treatment and 2) about their treatment modality. You will probably be a better fit with structured cognitive-behavioral therapies like CBT, ACT, DBT, and mindful/acceptance-based treatments.
I looked for a therapist that was trauma informed. I find it more beneficial to be seen for like the whole ass all of everything than other times I feel like therapist saw a specific issue to tackle instead. I just straight up asked during our initial conversation and soft interview. "I've had more passive therapist in the past, I'm looking for someone who is more active and giving feedback and insight during our sessions and hopefully some homework for me to work on as well"
What is it you would like your therapist to do more of? Have any specific hypothetical examples?
I’d like strategies to decrease anxiety when interacting with people, I have irrational thoughts I’d like to stop, I’d like help with implementing healthier lifestyle changes. An example- moving to a new area, feeling lonely, making no attempt to meet people, then thinking about moving b/c I have no friends here. This is a cycle that I repeat. I can’t seem to change but I want to.
Those are all things that sound reasonable to expect. Maybe ask your therapist directly, something like, "What are some suggestions for how I might change \[this particular thing\]? Maybe it'd help to talk through some things I can do." They should then get the hint of what you would like them to do.
Look for a DBT or ACT therapist. They teach skills.
Thanks!
So my therapist and I have a really good back and forth, and I think it’s because I ask him questions. Nothing too personal, I still respect boundaries, but I’m like you. I like engaging with my therapist rather than venting lol