Have you gotten your money’s worth and feel improvement weeks after you’ve subjected yourself to counseling? Are your mind and body congruent with each other more than ever? How can one know that their counseling sessions paid off?
Understanding how counseling has affected your lifestyle and attitude can be discernable if you would focus on the following signs that tell you it works.
Therapist-Client Relationship Is Strong
You know the statement, “We’re in this together?” That’s how it’s like with you and your counselor. Therapy sessions only become successful if both therapist and client have a trusting, honest relationship, leading to better understanding of what you’re going through. If you feel comfortable opening up, either with your therapist or with your counseling group, that only proves that you are more complacent with the environment and the people. Divulging all your thoughts and emotions to your therapist becomes easier that your partnership becomes more efficient in resolving conflicts. Remember, “A good therapist should be open and willing to understand your concerns. If your counselor doesn’t take your concerns seriously or is unwilling to accept feedback, then it’s probably in your best interest to consult with another therapist about it.” A reminder from Noah Rubinstein, LMFT, LMHC.
Self-esteem And Self-Confidence Have Improved Significantly
Looking back, you would see yourself as someone who is a downcast with shaky self-worth and self-image. After a couple of weeks of counseling, you then notice that you are more assured of yourself. One of the most important indications that your counseling sessions are in full swing is when you find yourself brimming with self-confidence, and you have more stable self-esteem. Counseling can put things in their proper place, helping clients feeling bolder about themselves and their decisions in life, which then leads to a more brazen, positive disposition. In Dr. Nikki Martinez, Psy.D. blog, she says, “If you are struggling with low self-esteem, it is encouraged that you seek some type of help and support to work through this issue, and to help you be the best version of yourself that you can be.”
Relationships With Other People Are Healthier
Toxicity from people at your workplace, inside the house, or even in your neighborhood can put a lot of stress on your existence; thus, seeking the help of a therapist can help you alleviate all those negative energies and just focus on fixing your connections. Once you feel like your relationships are more intact and you are keener on forming new relationships, that’s the time you’ll know counseling is working. Responding to improvements becomes evident when you start to appreciate the people around you.
You Have Evolved Into A Responsible Person
It is vital to recognize overreaction to a particular situation. Only then will you notice that therapy has improved your sense of responsibility. By maturing from a person who used to get easily upset with trivial things to becoming a person who identifies the problem and handles situations efficiently, you’ll realize how counseling has converted you into a more responsible and thoughtful person.
Enriched Overall Well-being
Experiencing a lot of stress and pressure can lead to numerous physical and mental illnesses. “When stress becomes chronic, this narrow focus continues for a long time and we have difficulty paying attention to other things.” Dr. David Ballard, PsyD explains. Negative physical and psychological manifestations often deteriorate once counseling starts. Some of the most common health developments would be observable in the way you eat and sleep, and how physical signs of stomach cramps and headaches are relieved. You are also more conscious about your sleeping habits and exercise regimen.
Your Counselor’s Voice Echoes In Your Head
Finally, even when you’re not with your therapist, you would hear his or her voice echoing inside your head whenever you are undergoing a difficult time. When people are left alone with their thoughts, it can be very destructive if they don’t know how to counter the negatives. Self-criticism and second-guessing often lead to episodes of depression and anxiety.
In counseling, these thoughts are countered, and when you start hearing your therapist’s words ringing inside your head and you feel like your negative thoughts are disintegrating, that’s a clear sign that counseling has done you right.