So you have found the right Intensive Therapy Retreat specialist, now you can relax and get treated, right? Well, this is not the case. Besides doing your research to find the right therapist, you also need to put in the work to make the best out of each session. Here are things you can do on your initiative, and you’ll have the best chance of solving your problems and achieving your goals.
Start Early
The best time to attend an intensive Therapy Retreat is when you discover your mental health affects how you handle your everyday tasks. At this point, you need to look for a therapist who specializes in intensive retreats and has years of experience in this field. Attending an intensive therapy retreat as early as now puts your therapist in the best position to address your issues before they worsen.
Get Practical Questions Answered Up Front
If it is your first time signing up for an intensive therapy retreat, make sure to understand everything about the specialist’s policies. This is especially when it comes to payments, privacy, and other details surrounding your therapy sessions. This way, you’ll not be wondering about what to expect; instead, you can focus on what you came to do.
Share Your Discomfort
Intensive Therapeutic Retreats involve deep emotional work that makes you vulnerable. It is important that when you experience discomfort during the session, you talk to your therapist about it. The discomfort might be about anything related to what you are working on or the interaction with your therapist. Sharing your discomfort eliminates the risk of it becoming a wall between you and the therapist. It also helps your therapist to respond and adjust the sessions for your comfort.
In most instances, a good therapist will clear up any misunderstanding and set you on the path to resolving the issue at hand. It allows you to regain a sense of comfort and entirely focus on what brought you there. It leads to a healthier client-therapist relationship that fosters positive results.
Do Your Homework
An Intensive Counseling Retreat therapist will ask you to take a risk between the sessions. The homework might be overwhelming, but your therapist will guide you in the process. It is crucial to appreciate the homework and follow the therapist’s instructions so you can make the best out of every session.
If you plan to ignore the assignment, you can talk to your therapist to revise it or further explain the rationale. The most important thing is that although the counselor cannot provide a rationale that convinces you, the assignment is always worthwhile. So, trust your counselor, and always make an effort. Paying attention to the homework will lead to greater progress in the intensive therapy retreat.
Don’t Talk Too Much
During an intensive therapy retreat, a therapist will expect you to go into detail about what you are going through and how you feel about it. The therapist will use research-based techniques to guide you through a series of structured tasks so that you can heal from your traumas and take the right step towards your goals. Therefore, you should avoid talking endlessly, as it could distract you from the focus and lead to unnecessary delays. You should only talk enough so that the therapist has the important details they need to tailor the best solutions. You should also listen to them carefully to understand what is required of you throughout the retreat.
Surround Yourself with Good People
It is vital to have good people within your circle even after the intensive mental health retreat. These are people who are honest and care about you, leading a happier life. In this case, get away from anyone who criticizes your decisions and those who make unwise life choices. Avoiding them will prevent them from destroying your excellent work. This is one important way to heal past traumas and focus on the positive side of life. It also allows you to practice what you learned at the retreat and use the tools to make better life decisions.
Attending an intensive therapy retreat is one of the best ways to lead a happier life. You can rest easy knowing you’ll make the best out of your time at the retreat with the above tips.