What I Talk to My Therapist About

Many people wonder what goes on in a therapy session. In this video, I share some of the things I typically talk with my therapist about during our sessions. I also share some tips on how to get the most out of your own therapy sessions.

A common misconception about therapy is that it is for people who are "messed up" or facing some large particular life challenge. It's important to understand though that it can be a helpful tool for anyone and everyone in terms of working toward overall life satisfaction and leading a meaningful life.

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[LivingWellAfterSchizophrenia]

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[theHelicase]

I have worked hard on being honest and opening up with my therapist. There are a few things that have helped me over the years:

1) Sometimes I go into therapy overwhelmed, and I can't make sense of my emotions -- I directly tell my therapist that I I can't make sense of my feelings, and she helps guide me to nagivate and make sense of my emotions.

2) Sometimes I do NOT want to go to a session -- I just tell my therapist "I don't want to be here". Then she monitors the session to we don't go into deep topics, and I often figure out why I did not want to show up. So it's still a helpful experience to show up.

3) Sometimes there is a topic I want to talk about, but it is embarrassing or uncomfortable. In this case, I start by telling my therapist there is something difficult on my mind, but I am not ready to discuss it yet. She respects this, and sometimes we come up with a plan for how to bring it up an a way that is easy to me.

4) I found great value in connecting my therapist and psychiatrist. There have a handful of times I am in crisis and my therapist has reached out to my psychiatrist directly. This helps me and also makes me feel like I have someone looking out for me.

5) Last I keep in mind the client/patient relationship -- my therapist is a professional and in the US there are guidelines of conduct and privacy she adheres to. This also means I am safe to bring up challenging topics I can't discuss with my partner/family/friends.

I can openly discuss very troubling feelings with my therapist, who is trained to handle this. I still tell with my partner and close friends that I am struggling, but I don't have to go into detail as much. This is really important to me, because my partner does not have mental health training and does not know how to handle really challenging feelings.

And my partner also recognizes this, sometimes sharing with me "This sounds like something your therapist would want to know". I often worry about over-burdening people in my life, so knowing I have my therapist, who is a professional, is very reassuring.

I also feel very reassured knowing my challenging emotions have a place to go. I can make a list (like you do!) and try to sort of put them on hold, until I can meet with my therapist.

This comment got too long, but I feel therapy is tremendously valuable for everyone. This is a great video, and a great message. Thank you for sharing.

[layotheleprechaun]

The best therapist I had was a mental health nurse. The worst was a clinical psychologist. This won’t be the same for everyone but definitely continue searching for different therapists if they don’t match with you!

[go_go_oats]

As a therapist, I love this video so much. 💛 thanks for sharing your experience with others.

[Mindofaschizophrenic]

I have has schizophrenia since I was 15 but symptoms since I was about in the fifth grade I got diagnosed at the age of 19 and your channel teaches me to cope better thank you

[meganhenry]

I have major depression and I just want to thank you for helping to remove the sigma surrounding mental health, especially schizophrenia. It's still so misunderstood. Thank you as always for the invaluable education. Your work is so meaningful fort many people. 🥰

[mikemetague]

"The amnesia that I get when I go in, " one of the things: preparing lists I made as the thoughts occur beforehand. I appreciate your planning clarity; deciding between therapist and psychiatrist so I say the right things to the right professional. For me: Keep caffeine intake to a minimum.

[PerksJ]

I’m autistic and it took five years to open up with my therapist, then less than a year into our new EMDR practice, they stopped being sliding scale. Cannabis helps me open up, especially since I do virtual appointments when high obviously. It has been helping me cut to the chase and get over the fear of being vulnerable. I realize I’m just wasting my own money honestly.

Just to let you know tho, Betterhelp is contributing to the competitiveness in prices with therapists and many are forced to go private instead. They essentially are driving down costs with a strange kind of therapist gig economy. Mickey Atkins did a cool video about it. But really, everybody gotta eat so no judgement, never stop spreading your message!

[barbdowns]

Excellent tips! I completely agree that therapy can help anyone, and it’s especially helpful to those who invest effort to make it work for them and their lives.

[michellegigous]

Thank you for sharing your experience with mental health
Issues. 🙏❤ Blessings to you and your family ❤

[strivinthrive]

yes, i know the lists help so much!! I have the best therapist, been with her about a decade!!Thanks all at Living well with schizophrenia channel!! You do a great job helping!! My tip is just don't give up, if you have missed an appointment, or got away from going for a bit, just keep it simple and call for another appointment!! hang in there and over time, if just seems like you're visiting an encouraging friend!! like it was said, therapy is for everyone!!

[Fear_Therapy]

As a therapist, I enjoyed watching this as I learned alot of things. ❤

[WWS]

I see therapy as just talking to someone once a week because I'm isolated.

[jmk]

Therapy is great for those who can afford it but not everyone can

[nickynisbet]

Hi Lauren, I can relate so much with your thoughts about therapy. It has helped me so much. My biggest regret is trying to manage on my own for so long and not asking for therapy support sooner. Thanks again 🙏 x

[christineo]

Theraphy have been life changing for me, coming from childhood trauma. You can change your life and way of living, and theraphy really helps. It’s helped me to be able to have long lasting relationships, even a romantic one, which I wasn’t able to before. ❤️

[hayleymacdonald]

this channel inspired me to start sharing my own schizophrenia story on my channel . thank you!!! ❤❤❤

[moyse]

Great video! I don’t go to therapy and don’t have a mental illness, just following because I’m interested, so very interesting !

[sarahizmeth]

I would like to try therapy. I have a psychiatrist. Am very interested in the subject. Thank you Lauren for the video the information was valued 🙂

[treatmenice]

My tip to therapy is to make sure you have a therapist that understands you. If you don't hit it off with a therapist, move to another and don't waste your time on money with the one you know is wrong for you.