1, Being an active participate
Write down something you like to discuss between sessions, bring the question, topic, concerns to the session, be prepared. Working on a smart goal together. It is helpful to take notes after each session as well.
2, Finish homework and be patient
Like seeing a doctor, it is hard to expect that we will recover without any medicine or effort. Try to finish the homework. Take it seriously as your prescribed medicine. It is teamwork; it is hard to be effective if only one is working or pushing. However, counselling is not like medicine works fast. It takes time rather than a quick fix. Research showed behaviours changes take at least more than 2 months. Being kind and patient with yourself for positive changes.
3, Give feedback
Counselling is not one fits all. Try to let your counsellor know how you feel about your work together. What is working, what is not? You might like your counsellor to slow down the pace or be more direct.
4, Be honest and open-minded
If you are not ready to change at this stage, or you hate to try new things, let your counsellor know. Counselling is a space you can “unmask” yourself and be yourself.
5, You are the expert in your life
You have been with yourself for many years. Counsellors only learn from the part of life from you. You might feel I am stuck. I do not know what to do. Give me some suggestions to move forward. The role of a counsellor is to be with you when you make a significant decision, help you listen to yourself, and explore the possibility but not make a decision for you.
Credit from therapist aid.