I always ask my clients, whether it's taking a yoga class for the first time, eating a new veggie (hey, we do this with our kids, right?), or going to counseling, to give it 4 sessions before making a decision as to whether it's working or not. Has anyone really liked kale after the first try? :)
That said, there are so many different kinds of counselors out there.
You are always welcome to ask questions/interview a therapist to see if there's "chemistry", or the therapist is "in line" with what you are looking for.
I just had a client that felt after 2 sessions with me we just weren't a fit. I told her that I respected her for knowing what she wanted and we bid farewell. I've also had (strangely, in the last 3 months) clients that did a piece of work and have now returned, saying they are "ready" to go into their "stuff" more.
I know that when I first started my practice in 1996 I didn't have all the tools I have now when working with clients. And one of those tools is just paying attention to whether we breathe when we talk. Paying attention to getting air in can do wonders when we're feeling anxious/down. I love watching how (as babies) we breathe like frogs! The whole side-ribs expand and the breath is like a wind tunnel. Then... life happens and we shut down that wind tunnel. I love watching how clients can choose to breathe no matter what happens around them.
This I have learned in my own therapy. As well, my own therapy has helped me to be sure I'm not projecting onto my clients the stuff that really belongs to me.
Therapy CAN feel good. You can even look forward to the time that you chose to carve out of your day to grow more. Therapy can feel like going to get fuel for your engine. It helps you tick. You can put your engine in the garage and then take it out for another "spin around the block." The point is (I think) that you are the only one that knows if you need counseling. You are the only one that knows if you feel happy inside (and don't need the "thing" or external source to get you there). You are the only one that can decide what's right for you!
Just being an active particpant in this journey of life, being aware, being all that you can be is what the world needs most. (I think I hear that song entitled, "What the World Needs Now is Love Sweet Love." Help me if that's not the right title!)
Happy day,
Lisa
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