ADVICE FROM CURRENT CLIENTS:
Make sure you’re comfortable talking with the therapist you choose and make sure they are knowledgeable about the concerns you have.
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Go open minded, be honest about your symptoms, let them guide you.
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You may have to switch therapist to find the right fit, but TCR will have the one you need.
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Give it time. I didn't feel like I was making progress for the first 4 months. Then, I suddenly was. I think it takes time for your therapist to notice patterns and get to know you, just like it takes you as a client time to be comfortable with them.
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Be open about what you struggle with, the progress comes when you are open about the problems you face and any trauma you may have dealt with, as hard as that can be and as silly as it sounds when you tell someone you struggle with something as minuscule as checking door locks or light switches. Be receptive and open to trying things that seem difficult in therapy (like OCD Exposures), some of them were genuinely frightening to think about beforehand, but months away from those exposures, I had almost forgotten about some of those things till just now. It’s pretty awesome to be able to type that right now.
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It might be scary and hard at first but it will be the best thing you ever do for yourself. Trust the process.
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Be open and honest and you will get excellent results.
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I would say picking a therapist is not as simple as picking a restaurant, its something you should really do your homework on and decide what person fits best for you and your situation.
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Be honest with yourself so you can be honest with your therapist so you can REALLY get to the root of your issues and begin to heal.
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I'd let them know to get comfortable asking for all of the options you all have available from telehealth, schedules, therapists, etc I think so many people are used to therapists office where they don't feel empowered to explore things that work.
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Just be honest and it is ok if it takes awhile to warm up. IT IS OK TO CRY
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I would tell them not to be nervous, the staff at TCR will make you feel very welcomed. You will know that the staff there are very knowledgeable and you will get the help you need.
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Be willing to receive the help you need.
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I would just say don't be afraid to open up or talk about the things that are really impacting you. I feel like you miss out on the opportunity to heal and grow by holding back. It has been an ongoing journey to be more vulnerable and focus on those important experiences that have caused me distress. The more I am able to address it, the better I feel.
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For clients starting ERP - try really hard to commit to doing exposures. It’s so tough but worth it IF you’re consistent.
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The work doesn’t stop when the session is over. Keep pushing yourself for your mental health when you can, and bring what you find back to your therapist.
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Use the fidget toys if you are anxious.
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​Start soon!