Girl Code Guide to Therapy pt 2

By: Shayla Johnson-Bunion

I struggled to write a blog because it didn’t seem to be the right fit for what I wanted to say. I felt a list would be more appropriate, especially as quick guide to anyone considering therapy.

So here it goes, If I were new to therapy what would I want to know:

1. You can stop going any time.

2. You can replace your therapist if they don’t meet your needs. There are many other great ones out there. Pick someone that’s going to work for you and your personality.

3. You are in control of the session and what you want to talk about

4. If you don’t know what to say or how to say it the therapist will guide you.

5. Therapy is not about someone giving you advice.

6. I love Iyanla Vanzant, but her approach isn’t therapy nor is it therapeutic.

7. The cost can vary depending on your income and other factors.

8. Talk to your therapist about a sliding fee scale.

9. You don’t have to know what you are going in for.

10. You can pick back up any time if you decide to quit.

11. Things don’t have to be going wrong for you to see a therapist.

12. You may learn some things about yourself you don’t already know.

13. You may already know these things about yourself but need an unbiased opinion.

14. Trust the process.

15. Be open minded.

16. It’s the most loving thing you can do for yourself.

17. You may not have everything “fixed” or solved after a few sessions.

18. Feelings, traumas, emotions, are like an onion. There are many layers to peel back.

19. You might resolve an issue, but you may have to continually work on it throughout your life.

20. Some things won’t be immediately “fixed” or finished, but it can get better over time.

21. You can set the pace on how often you want to go.

22. More people go to therapy than you think.

23. I love going to therapy for a “tune up” after I resolved my issues. It’s a good feeling to look back on how far you’ve come.

24. Trauma is real.

25. Our childhood sets the tone and foundation for things we go through as adults.