Committed action in therapy involves taking concrete steps to align your behaviours with your values, leading to positive change. This often includes goal setting, confronting difficult thoughts or experiences, and developing new skills. But beyond these steps, true commitment to therapy means fully investing in the process and taking ownership of your journey toward healing.
Being Present in Therapy
To be committed means to be fully present from the moment therapy begins to the moment it ends. This presence isn’t just physical—it’s emotional and mental. Here’s what it looks like:
Punctuality and Attendance: You show up for your scheduled appointments on time and ready to engage. Regular attendance is crucial because each session builds on the previous one, helping you to progress steadily.
Active Engagement: During sessions, you are fully engaged, using your time wisely to explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. You listen, participate, and contribute meaningfully to the therapeutic conversation.
Sense of Completion: You leave each session with a sense of accomplishment, understanding that while there is more work ahead, you have taken valuable steps forward.
Actions That Reflect Commitment
In addition to being present, there are several actionable steps you can take to demonstrate your commitment to therapy:
Establish a Routine: Incorporate therapy into your weekly routine just like any other important activity. This helps reinforce its importance in your life and makes it easier to stay consistent.
Follow Your Clinician’s Recommendations: Whether it’s reading suggested books, writing down your thoughts, maintaining a journal, or taking a walk after a stressful day, following through with these recommendations can significantly enhance your progress.
Attend Sessions Even When Stressed or Anxious: It’s natural to feel stressed or anxious before a session, but showing up despite these feelings is a sign of commitment. Remember, therapy is designed to help you manage these emotions.
Understand the Plan of Action: Early on, work with your clinician to understand the recommended frequency of sessions and the overall plan. Knowing what to expect helps you stay on track and measure your progress.
Reflect on Key Takeaways: After each session, take time to reflect on the key moments or insights gained. Revisit these takeaways in your daily life to reinforce the progress you’re making.
Be Open and Honest: Therapy is a judgment-free zone. Being open and honest about your thoughts, feelings, and experiences allows for deeper exploration and more effective support from your clinician.
Commitment to therapy is more than just attending sessions—it’s about fully engaging in the process, taking ownership of your journey, and actively working towards your goals. By incorporating these actions into your routine, you’re not only respecting the therapeutic process but also maximizing the potential for positive change in your life. Remember, the more you put into therapy, the more you’ll get out of it.
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