Preparing Yourself for Therapy: A Guide
Going to therapy is a significant endeavor. While it may not be physically demanding, therapy certainly requires cognitive and emotional effort. Preparing for therapy can be likened to preparing for a physical task, such as a long run. Many of the preparation efforts for physical tasks can also apply to therapy. Here are some suggestions on how to get yourself mentally ready for a therapy session.
Food and Water
Eating a nutritious meal and staying hydrated before therapy are essential. The amount of food and water in our systems significantly impacts our cognitive functioning. Here are some potential issues that could arise during therapeutic work if you lack adequate fuel or hydration:
Trouble Focusing: Without sufficient nutrients, maintaining concentration during your session can become challenging.
Lack of Memory: Dehydration and hunger can impair your memory, making it difficult to recall important details during therapy.
Mood Changes: A lack of food and water can lead to mood swings, which can affect the productivity of your session.
Ensuring that you are well-nourished and hydrated can help you stay present and engaged during your therapy session.
Adequate Rest
Getting a good night's sleep before your therapy session is crucial. In addition to the food and water in your system, sleep plays a significant role in cognitive functioning. Lack of sleep can lead to various cognitive issues such as:
Inability to Concentrate: Sleep deprivation can make it hard to focus, which is not ideal for therapy.
Trouble Regulating Mood: Poor sleep can result in emotional instability, making it harder to process emotions during therapy.
Impaired Decision-Making: Lack of rest can affect your ability to make sound decisions, which can hinder your therapeutic progress.
Prioritizing sleep before therapy can help you approach your session with a clear and focused mind.
Avoid Substances
It is not recommended to consume alcohol or drugs before your therapy sessions. This recommendation ensures that you are in a clear state of mind during your session. Depending on your personal needs, it may be beneficial to avoid any substances the evening before therapy to aid your cognitive processing.
Substances can cloud your judgment, impair your memory, and alter your mood, all of which can detract from the effectiveness of your therapy session. Staying substance-free helps you fully engage with the therapeutic process.
Make Space in Your Calendar
Therapy can be emotionally draining. It can be helpful to carve out some time before and after your session to prepare and wind down. This might involve taking 10-15 minutes before and after your session to center yourself. This is especially important if you see your therapist during your workday.
Creating this buffer allows you to:
Center Yourself: Taking time to calm your mind before the session can help you enter therapy in a more receptive state.
Process Your Emotions: Giving yourself time after the session to reflect on what was discussed can aid in internalizing and understanding your emotions.
Transition Smoothly: Buffer time helps you transition between therapy and other daily activities, preventing emotional spillover into other parts of your day.
Listen to Your Body
These suggestions are meant to serve as guidelines. Ultimately, you know your own needs best when it comes to preparing for therapy. Listen to your body and pay attention to what it requires before and after therapy sessions. By being attuned to your internal state, you can better set yourself up for success in therapy.
Conclusion
Therapy is a valuable tool for personal growth and healing. Preparing for your therapy sessions by eating well, staying hydrated, getting adequate rest, avoiding substances, and making space in your calendar can enhance your therapeutic experience. By taking these steps, you can enter each session with a clear mind and open heart, ready to engage fully in the therapeutic process.
If you are looking for expert therapy in Fort Collins, Colorado, consider reaching out to Embodied Therapy Group. Our team specializes in trauma therapy, religious trauma therapy, sex therapy, non-traditional relationship counseling, mindfulness, and somatic-based therapeutic approaches. We are committed to helping you achieve your therapeutic goals.
