When it comes to the idea of going to a psychotherapy clinic not just in Vaughan, but everywhere, people think of walking into an odd office with insane, screaming people in the waiting room. That’s usually followed by the idea of laying on a couch while telling all of the most intimate details of their lives to a bespectacled man seated on an office chair. The reality of psychotherapy clinics is actually a very relaxed experience.
First, realize that everyone at one of these clinics is a professional and is there to ensure that clients are comfortable and in a place where they feel safe. The entire concept behind a psychotherapy clinic is for people to be professional yet compassionate. So, don’t expect it to be a frightening experience at all, but one where people can work through their feeling of grief, anxiety, or other issues.
When it comes to psychotherapy, itself, first expect to know that it is a tool that a person can use to improve one’s own mental health and to improve the quality of life, but it isn’t a miracle cure, either. Psychotherapy depends on a person who is willing to help themselves, so going to a therapist and being cooperative is a surefire way to ensure that nothing happens.
Realize that a psychotherapist is there to make you feel comfortable but they’re not there to be a close, personal friend. Part of their training is to ensure that they have and keep a certain professional, arm’s length relationship with their clients to avoid the pitfalls that come with getting to close to a patient. Maintaining that professional distance is both for their and your protection.
Psychotherapy may also not involve just a therapist and a patient. In some cases, a person may benefit from group counseling, as well. That’s usually decided on a case-by-case basis.
Don’t expect that a person will go into a psychotherapy clinic for a few sessions and suddenly be cured, either. This form of therapy may only require a few visits, this is true, but depending on what the person is working through, it can require months or even years. There are cases where a person’s mental state is such that they need to “talk out” their problems once a week for the rest of their lives. Either way, therapy is always based on an individual client’s needs.
It’s also important to keep in mind that psychotherapy isn’t for everybody. Some people benefit a great deal from therapy and others don’t respond to it at all. So, if it doesn’t work, don’t be frustrated, just ask the therapist what other avenues you should explore to get the help you need.
Finally, understand that walking into a psychotherapy clinic isn’t the end of the world and it won’t be a scary experience. If anything, it’s likely to be a relaxed and rewarding time that will result in giving you the tools you need to live a better, happier life in both the short and long term.