In the best of situations, going into treatment means establishing a great rapport with your therapist about your mental health issues and finding solutions. After a while, your therapist may tell you that you can reduce your sessions or only call when needed. Rather than feeling rejected, this is a sign of progress. While these are obvious signs you are making progress, there are other ways to gauge your progress as well, and it is essential to see how therapy is moving you forward and celebrate how far you have come.
Noticing Positive Changes in Your Thought Patterns
When you see your therapist, they help point out the thought patterns and behaviors that need to change. If you have progressed where you have a clear picture of what they are without your therapist’s support, you may not need sessions as frequently as before. You may be able to take what you learned in therapy and change your thought patterns and behaviors without help. You recognize all-or-nothing thinking, emotional reasoning, and other cognitive issues.
Your Progress Is Reflected Back to You
Therapists will generally update you on the progress you have made once your session is over. If you continue to struggle, your therapist will see if your goals are realistic or need modification. When your therapist speaks to you about your goals, and if you have successfully achieved them, it can be a sign you are making progress. Moving forward, it may be time to see them less frequently.
What to Do If Your Therapist Feels Progress Is Made
When your therapist feels you are going down the right path, you might set an end date for your time together. It may mean you only decide to schedule a few more sessions until it is time to say goodbye. While you may be feeling happy that you have accomplished your personal goals, you might also be feeling sad at not seeing your therapist frequently or leaving altogether. After all, you established a great relationship with that person. You may have shared more with this person than you have with anybody else. If you are not ready to taper off from your therapist, that is your choice, as only you know if you still need help. However, no matter what, remember to congratulate yourself on your progress and feel proud of it.
It can be hard to leave your therapist if you have established a bond with them through all your sessions. On the other hand, a therapist is still there when you need them most for emergencies, and you should congratulate yourself on how far you have come. At Alta Loma, we understand how effective therapeutic sessions are, and we are here to provide them for you. Our transformative treatment center in Georgetown, Texas, can provide you with individualized therapy, coping skills education, a long-term continuum of care, and more. Call us at (866) 457-3843 for more information.
