Journal: Therapy Prep

I usually take time to ask my client how has their week been, and they recall what they have done and what has changed. That probably takes 5-17 minutes. Sometimes more…but that is because they are avoiding discussing something deeper, or recovering from a deep session last week. 

This method is to be used as much as possible to have the best session. The best sessions client comes in and says these things affected me this week, I struggled with this thought, this feeling, this narrative and we go explore for most of the session. Yet, getting to what your need to bring up in therapy takes planning. I understand most people don't do this or have time, or simply do not know how. So use this before therapy and even conversations that you need advice.

What has been happening? How active have you been this week? How did you do with self-care? 

What connections can you make from your moods to external events?

How do you feel today? How much rest and quality sleep are you getting?

What are the stressors from the week ( or since  you seen your therapist?)

What were your successes? Have you done your homework? What questions came up? What did you gain from the experience? 

The more inner work you can do on your own, the better you can make of your time.

Are there any situations you are ruminating on? What are you looking to walk away from your session with? Energy, clarity, empowerment, reassurance, a wake-up call, accountability, direction, a plan, a skill etc.