Therapy is a process. The process of therapy is fluid. That means that it is constantly changing and adapting to suit the needs of the client and to reflect the progress that the client makes along their therapeutic journey.

This process itself has many variables and is extremely personal to each individual. There is no time frame that can be put upon therapy, and I would say therapy moves in peaks and valleys. There will be hard times within the therapeutic process and there will be clear times of experiencing a breakthrough.

Therapy works by open, honest discussion of thoughts, feelings, perspective, wishes and working through these in order to gain awareness of self, behaviours that are sometimes detrimental to ourselves (and others) and addressing the difficult things we tend to shy away from.

Therapy is not a miracle cure. Realistic goals are discussed at the beginning of therapy to manage expectation. In order for therapy to work clients need to be in a stage that we call RAW; Ready for the road ahead, ready to address the parts we fear most, Able to commit to the process and what may or may not be asked of you, this includes dedicating the time and being consistent with coming to sessions. Finally Willing, willing meaning willingness to take part, willingness to be present, willingness to embrace the tasks set and complete them. If someone comes to therapy because they feel it’s the only way to get themselves out of a situation or to appease a partner for example, then this person will generally not be RAW as their need for therapy is for satisfying another and not for themselves.

Therapy takes time, it can be confronting and uncomfortable but also once out the other side of any issues it can be extremely cathartic and a release. Individuals really do change thought processes and behaviour patterns as well as working through aspects that have possibly been buried or hidden. The more we become aware of the defences we use to “get through” the difficulties in life- the better knowledge we have of making sure we have healthy mechanisms to aid us in our journey.