Opening up to a stranger can be difficult, especially if it’s about a sensitive subject. While it does get easier over time, it’s important to remember that your therapist is there to support you. They often ask the opening question and guide you through your session with gentle questions and reminders. That being said, as the weeks pass, finding topics to discuss can sometimes be challenging. Instead of ending your therapy sessions, this is a great time to dig a little deeper.
Here are a few ways to do just that:
1. Be Present with Your Feelings
Even though a lot may have happened throughout your week, start by talking about how you feel now. Be honest with yourself and your therapist about what is happening for you in the present moment, even if it’s something like, “I would rather be sleeping/working/exercising than at therapy right now.” Sometimes, what’s right in front of you may be what you most need to discuss. London Trauma Therapy incorporates humanistic therapy techniques, opening up the floor for clients to openly share their thoughts.
2. Journal Between Sessions
Journaling can help you dig deeper and provide a great starting point for your sessions. It can help you gain a deeper sense of clarity and understanding. It is also a great way to track your thoughts and behavioural patterns. Bring your journal to your next session and review it with your therapist. This can help address or acknowledge patterns in your thoughts and behaviours. Sometimes, it’s easier to see ourselves in hindsight than when we are caught up in the moment.
3. Consider Interpersonal Relationships
Relationships play an essential role in your mental health and how you feel on a daily basis. This includes all relationships, not just the romantic ones – your boss, parents, siblings, and friends all affect the quality of your emotions. What is happening in your relationships? Are you speaking less to your friends than usual? Do you feel supported by your family? Do you have the same problems in friendships? Do you feel like you have a support system outside of your therapist? These questions are worth exploring and can lead you to the root cause of how your relationships affect your life.
4. Significant Changes or Life Shifts
Big life changes like getting married, having a baby, changing jobs, a breakup, or moving can trigger our emotions. Even if the life change is good, it can still bring up a mix of feelings that are important to unpack. Be bold and bring up new changes that are happening or on the horizon. Therapy in London Ontario sessions should be safe spaces to share your feelings and speak freely.
5. Things You Are Avoiding
We all judge our thoughts and censor our feelings – into “should and shouldn’t be thinking and feeling” categories. Know that it is OKAY to be feeling whatever you are feeling, and it is even more OKAY to talk about it in therapy. Nothing is ever too big or small to bring up in treatment, and feelings do not have expiry dates. Sometimes, we don’t know that we’re avoiding our feelings, so it’s best to be open to whatever comes up emotionally and your therapist’s suggestions. Consider your sessions a safe place to discuss what you’ve been avoiding or find difficult to discuss.
6. Nothing is Off Limits
We have a lot of ideas of what therapy should or shouldn’t be. Some people indeed come to therapy to deal with issues like depression, PTSD, and anxiety, but this isn’t always the case. In the end, therapy is about getting to know yourself better – therefore, no topic is considered off-limits.
Final Thoughts
If you have a hard time with therapy because you don’t know what to say, remember that your therapist is there to help you. Therapy should be a safe place to explore and get to know yourself and your values better. The more questions you can ask yourself, the more understanding you will gain about your own values, goals, and well-being.
If you are stuck for topics to discuss in therapy, bookmark this page and save this list for your next session!