Written by an experienced clinical social worker, this book takes the mystery and stigma out of counseling and psychotherapy. It inspires and encourages the reader to move forward in therapy while shedding common doubts, uncertainties, and confusions that often cloud the therapeutic process. This is an essential guide for those considering or already receiving professional help.
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From the Author
Why write a self-help book when there are already hundreds of them out there? As a therapist, I have suggested self-help reading to clients over the years and found this to be a useful practice. However, I have yet to find a book that can do the job in a clear, succinct, and understandable manner--a book that can hit on all the important points that we go over in my office sessions. I've been looking for that book, one that is easy to read, fun, and gives a good overview of the many ideas I teach when counseling clients. I believe that learning new ideas is at the heart of change. So, I decided to write it myself. This book will serve as a companion guide for therapy and provide support for your journey toward change. Hopefully, it will help you to become the person you really want to be.
So, you decided to start therapy. This is a good decision because it means that you are truly committed to participate in a process of change. What can you expect? Therapy will allow you the opportunity to develop an open, honest and genuine helping relationship with a therapist of your choice. Your therapist will give you emotional support, education, and feedback through reflective comments and interpretations. You'll also be offered suggestions, advice, coaching, and Socratic dialogue to help you think and act in ways that are more productive and rewarding. And your therapist will provide an environment conducive to introspection and insight.
However, your therapist can't do it all for you. Even therapy is a form of self-help. You've certainly heard the age-old adage: "God helps those who help themselves." Whether you believe in a higher power or not, it is most important that you try to believe in yourself! Although you may have to overcome some huge obstacles along the way, you can do this! You have more strength and positive energy than you think.
There are no gimmicks in therapy, though you will learn some new techniques and strategies that will help you along the way. You certainly want to feel better and, if at all possible, actually get better. You will pick up some helpful tools during this process, and you'll need to push yourself a bit to use them. Sometimes you'll need to stretch yourself outside of your comfort zone.
If you truly want your life to start heading in a new direction, it will require a strong desire and a concerted effort--a willingness to take a new look at your situation and make the necessary changes. Is it now time for you to get back on track? Is it possible for you to feel more pleasure and satisfaction in your life? If you are answering "Yes" to these questions, then this is the book for you.
