Psychotherapy: Learn What to Expect

The last few years have been some of my most difficult, as it has been for many people. On some days, the weight of personal loss together with the news of war, protest and violence, economic strife and climate disaster, have left me feeling utterly heartbroken.  

I know I’m not alone. Numerous studies released in the last year from all around the world report that mental health issues have escalated astronomically, with people of all ages suffering from stress, anxiety, depression and grief. 

When things feel so dark, it’s hard to see our way out from under it all. It’s one thing to know the dangers of getting stuck in that sort of thinking, but it’s quite another to move through it into a transformed state of consciousness, where meaning can be found. Such a journey is a tall order and one that we may not be able to take on our own.

Psychotherapy can therefore be something to consider. But if you’ve never worked with a professional that way, the process might seem like too much of a mystery, especially when you’re already feeling vulnerable.

Here are some of the things I wondered when considering therapy: 

• How do I know I’ll be comfortable with how this person approaches my situation?
• What will it be like to talk to a stranger about things that are personal to me?
• How can I find out if the methods they use are what’s commonly practiced by others in their field?

It’s an important decision, so it’s worth taking the time to learn about best practices. By shedding light on the process, you’ll know what to expect and what you want to see during your first meeting with a person who may become your analyst. 

I remember wondering where I could find some answers, and books can only give you so much. Add to that, it’s not always possible to meet people face-to-face these days. Even if you can, there’s the time and cost of such meetings, something not all of us can do easily. You could send an email or make a phone call to get more information, but who and what do you ask?

As I was watching the five interviews in our program Best Practices in Psychotherapy, I had a flash of insight. What a great way for us to learn from experts who practice in the field! They each offer advice to help their fellow professionals, but I found they were equally helpful in giving me a high-level map of what I might expect as a client in a first meeting and in the journey to follow.

To learn more about these series of interviews with some of the world’s best Jungian Analysts, click Here.