In this blog we will explore ways you can prepare for a counselling session near you in Winnipeg. For many people, taking steps towards seeking support for healing and personal growth takes a great deal of courage. Such is also often the case for going to a counselling appointment.
You may also want to check out our previous blogs, at these links:
- How to Find a Winnipeg Therapist Near You
- 8 Questions to Ask During a Free Winnipeg Counselling Consultation Near You
How to Prepare for Your Counselling Session
Now that you have found a Winnipeg therapist that’s a good fit for what you are looking for in your Winnipeg therapist, it’s time to prepare for your session. The following are tips for how to prepare for your counselling session in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
How to Prepare for a Counselling Session Tip #1: Don’t Overthink
Overthinking your session may lead to an unnecessary amount of anxiety. Here are some tips to help lower your anxiety:
- You can come dressed however you like
- Come as you are. No pretenses needed. Just be YOU
- Speak as you speak with friends. This may include swear-words, or not. Just be YOU
Preparing for a Counselling Session Tip #2: Bring a Beverage
Feel free to bring coffee, water–your beverage of choice. 
Having a sip to drink can help lower your anxiety and allow you to get to work on what brings you into counselling.
Tip #3: Bring a Pen and Notebook
Not required, but you may want to consider bringing a pen and notebook or journal to write down important notes such as homework, reading material or videos that are discussed, or important aha’s in session.
How to Prepare for a Counselling Session Tip #4: Come As You Are Today
No need to have it all together. Remind yourself that you’re seeking therapy to help you figure things out – to get things together again. This will help you to more quickly address the issues that bring you to therapy.
Tip #5: Expect a Judgment-Free Zone
Expect a no-judgment zone. If your therapist does not offer a judgment-free zone, they may not be the right fit for you.
If you’re a religious person, you’re welcome to bring that into therapy. If you’re not a religious person or your therapist’s religious convictions are different from yours, your counsellor should not impose their beliefs on you. If they do, they may not be the right fit for you.
Preparing for a Counselling Session Tip #6: Be On Time
Try your best to be on-time. Set an appointment reminder. This will allow you to utilize the full amount of time that’s set aside for YOU.
Tip #7: Know the Location
Make sure you know where you are meeting.
- If you’re meeting in-person, it’s helpful to look up the location so you don’t have to feel anxious about finding your way.
- If you’re meeting online, make sure you know how to log into the online meeting-link.
- If you’re meeting via phone, make sure you have your phone ready and charged at the scheduled meeting-time.
Preparing for a Counselling Session Tip #8: Know Your Purpose for Therapy
Knowing the purpose you are seeking therapy can help you clarify your reasons to seek help at this time. Ask yourself these questions:
- Why didn’t I seek help 6 months ago?
- Why am I not delaying therapy to 6 months from now?
- What is the #1 reason I am seeking therapy?
- If there is ONE thing I’d like to get out of therapy, what is it?
How to Prepare for a Counselling Session Tip #9: Know You Are In Control
You are in control of your life, and that also applies to your work in counselling. However, as is the case with anything else you do in life, the more invested you are in therapy, the more effective therapy will be. Think of it this way: You’re in a relationship that’s very dear to you, but you don’t make much effort to spend quality and/or quantity time with this person. The relationship will likely not go anywhere without your investment. In the same way, therapy is only as effective as you make it. It is the therapist’s job to help you figure out a direction and keep you on track with this direction, but without your investment, the pace of change will be significantly slower.
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