What is Psychological Therapy?

What is therapy?

• A journey of supported self-discovery and acceptance
• Helps you to be aware of when you are triggered and how to help yourself.
• A process of empowerment to help you understand yourself.
• Provides tools that will help you to help yourself, such as learning to regulate
  your emotions.
• Gives you ideas on how to manage when experiencing difficult thoughts,
  feelings, and situations.
• Supports in you learning how to respond rather than react.
• Can help you understand your relationships and the part you play in them.
• A challenging but worthwhile process
• A goal orientated process which has a specific focus
• A time limited relationship

What therapy isn’t?

• A quick fix
• It’s not a cure, it’s a tool to help manage.
• Not something to jump into without thought.
• Not an easy option

Role of therapist

• Offer a safe space.
• Invite you to talk about your past life experiences with an aim to understand
  and tackle your current difficulties.
• To help you work out if psychological therapy is going to be useful and if it is
  the right time for starting it.
• Knowledgeable and have insight to share with you.
• To connect with you as an equal, being aware of the power imbalance
• Provide a supportive, safe space.
• Be empathic.
• Be non-judgemental.
• Be honest which helps to build a trusting relationship.
• Use active listening skills.
• Be caring and understanding.
• Meet you where you are on your journey.
• Maintain confidentiality (this will be explained when you meet).

Role of you

• To be honest
• Be brave to overcome fear and vulnerability.
• Be prepared to put the skills you learn into practice (or adapt them to suit you)
• Open to new ways of thinking
• Be prepared to put effort in (as you get out what you put in)
  If you have any questions after reading this, please bring them to your therapy
  discussion appointment. If you need answers sooner, then please contact your carecoordinator / key worker

L1221, V1, 22/08/2024 (Archive: 21/11/2027)