Therapy is getting popular in managing mental health issues these days. Unlike oral treatments, therapy has no side effects. Hence, it is safe. It helps people manage their depression, anxiety, or trauma. Even if it is effective, there are still those who are uncertain about it. For one, it is difficult to monitor your progress with therapy.
It is normal to have reservations about therapy. People think that therapy is all about talking about your feelings and thoughts, but it is more than that. If therapy isn’t effective, why do people find comfort in it? The best thing about it is that there is now teletherapy in California for those who prefer doing therapy at home.
Signs that Therapy is Working
Therapy is not a one-size-fits-all approach. This means that professional therapists near me create a specific treatment program solely for your needs. If you have been going to therapy and are still not certain if you’re making any progress, here are some signs to check if it’s working for you.
You feel better.
Therapy makes you see the beauty of life. It’s not just about being optimistic but accepting that bad things happen to people sometimes. Even if you have problems, you don’t feel sorry for yourself. Embracing your flaws isn’t hard anymore, and you’re more focused on improving your life. If you have this kind of mindset, you feel happier.
You are more conscious of your behavior.
Therapy helps you recognize your unappealing behavior. Most of the time, these behaviors put you at risk of having depression or anxiety. For example, drinking alcohol too much is the reason you and your wife are getting a divorce. Or your anger issues or tardiness are the causes of why you’re fired at work. When you’re aware that these are all wrong, therapy will teach you how you can change this.
You are in control of your thoughts and feelings.
In therapy, you learn to recognize and manage your feelings. It is easier for you to identify what thoughts and emotions benefit you. Whenever you feel negative emotions, you don’t invalidate them, but you just learn how to handle them well without hurting anyone.
Your way of thinking has changed.
Before therapy, having negative and destructive thoughts may be a habit of yours. But when you go to therapy, you slowly let go of these kinds of thoughts, and you only welcome constructive ones. You stop worrying about the future and ruminating about your past experiences. You feel liberated and happy.
You are kind to yourself.
Sometimes, you are too hard and expect too much of yourself. You get angry when things don’t go your way and forget the fact that making mistakes is normal. With the help of therapy, you learn to be compassionate and patient with yourself. You realize now that you can achieve success once you stop doubting and criticizing yourself. Embracing your imperfections and becoming more confident are now your goals.
Your relationships improve.
Your relationships improve because of therapy. You’re not anymore the angry and unhappy partner who feels stuck in a relationship. In therapy, you don’t only focus on your growth but also on how you treat other people. It is easier for you now to accept that not all people are the same. If it’s necessary, it’s okay if you cut off toxic people in your life. It’s all about being mature in handling relationships, whether it’s with a partner or friends.
People start to notice that you the positive changes in you.
It can be difficult for you to tell if therapy is working. However, other people will instantly notice if there are positive changes in you. When your family and close friends start acknowledging that you have become a better person, they are seeing the results of therapy.
You connect with your therapist.
They say a good therapist is not someone who only tells you the good stuff you want to hear. They should be someone who supports and listens. Whether it is an in-person session or teletherapy California, when you click with your therapist, it is easier to open up about your concerns, worries, and goals. You feel safe that they will judge or criticize you. Once you connect with your therapist, for sure, the results of your therapy are always positive.
Way to Track Your Progress in Therapy
Aside from these signs, you can track your improvement all on your own. Perhaps your therapist will also suggest you do any of these to see if there are changes.
Keep a therapy journal.
Monitor your progress through a journal. Make it a habit to write your thoughts and feelings regularly. You can look back and see if you still react and respond the same way as before. You can also include writing your goals in life and what you want to see in yourself in years from now.
Ask your therapist.
Ask your therapist how they can monitor your progress. Tell them that you want to hear their feedback about you. Do not be intimidated by your therapist, and you have the right to know their treatment plans for you.
Pay attention to the changes in yourself.
The only person who can monitor your progress is yourself. When you become better through therapy, you handle stress and emotions well. You complain less and more confident. You know what you want and the best action to take when in crisis.
Reminder
Therapy is not a quick fix. It is a process, a journey that will take a while. It takes dedication and patience for you to see positive changes in you. In therapy, you have to learn to be more open and honest about yourself. At first, you may feel vulnerable, but your therapist is there to support you.
If you have been doing therapy for quite some time now and still see no progress, it is best to talk to your therapist about it. They can give you feedback or refer you to other professional therapists near me.
If you are considering therapy, you can visit Mindshift Psychological Services. Learn more about their mental health management program on their website. They also offer teletherapy California for those who prefer a home. Contact them at (714) 584-9700 to schedule an appointment.
