Welcome!

Hello current clients, potentical clients, curious people & all others! This blog will focus on frequently asked questions about what to expect when starting therapy at MMCC and may answer some other FAQ’s for those exploring therapy and or about to begin there own therapeutic journey else where.

1.What is the first session like?

Therapy is different for everyone and should be specific to what you need and your therapeutic goals. When working with MMCC therapists you will be met with warmth and curiosity. We all have different backgrounds and approaches but we all share the same values: autonomy, respect, efficacy & collaboration. It is important to remember that we are working with you, as you are the expert in yourself and the agent of change. The first session is often focused on building a relationship and getting to know you; things you like, things you do well in, things you struggle with and even things you aren’t sure about. At this point, we are still strangers and want to do our best to start building a trusting relationship. We are also spending time better understanding what you are hoping to gain from therapy, what tools you have, and what tools you need some support in gaining. We will work together to create measurable goals that reflect what you are working towards (think: scaling how often or intensely you experience this symptom or challenge and what percentage you are managing it ). You will have ample opportunity to ask your therapist questions. By the end of the first 50 minute session, you should expect to leave the session with a few new tools and you may even be tasked to utilize them for the next coming week. We always look forward to seeing you next session!

2. What if I hate it?

This question comes up a lot. Anything new comes with uncertainty and sometimes even with the intent to protect. Therapy is nothing to fear, however the idea of not having these struggles can sometimes cause certain feelings and other thoughts that impact this as well. If you hate it- then you hate it. You are allowed to feel however you want; however, this should be a messenger and warrant some compassion & curiosity. Is this message of “i hate therapy” worth exploring? - YES! MMCC encourages clients to share how they are feeling and will check-in at various times during session and at the end. We are here to help you better understand why these feelings are showing up and how to work through them. Remember that you are human and you have feelings! However, your feelings are messengers, not facts.

But why do people hate therapy or at least think they do initially?? Often the first few sessions can feel awkward and uncomfortable (cue the therapy dog to help with this.) Talking about how we feel, our struggles, challenges etc. makes us feel vulnerable, exhausted, lacking control and if you’ve spent many years doing everything you can to avoid talking about these things- this will be challenging but not impossible and you may even realize the benefit, see a decrease in symptoms and end up..do i dare say- enjoying therapy and recognizing the benefits of it.

3. How will therapy help me?

This is a loaded question! Therapy is wonderful tool, but what will be the most helpful is what you put in and take away from therapy. Some of these ways look like being on time, coming prepared to session to put in the work, being truthful during session, utilizing tools outside of session, and following through on tasks assigned during session.

So…how will seeing a therapist help me? “I have friends and family I can talk to when I need to.” Ahh, having a support system is so important and truly necessary and while talking is a big part of therapy- there is much more to it. Therapy allows you to connect with a trained professional to not just talk, but for your therapist to actively listen and help you find solutions, perspectives, approaches and different tools to manage historical challenges which may have led you to seeking out therapy, current challenges and or feeling more equipped for the future. Once again, therapy is not just about talking. There are various approaches therapists use to help clients that differ from just chatting. You may have heard of CBT, or maybe EMDR. The reason these things work is because therapists are helping you rewire and strengthen your brain and along the way helping you find tools to sustain these changes. Learn more about the other interventions MMCC uses to help clients.

4. Why might I feel tired or drained after therapy?

There is no one size fits all. Some people only feel this way in the beginning, some feel this way sporadically and some don’t experience this at all. For those that do and the chance it could for you- it is because your mind & body are working hard!! This also can be contingent on what intervention is being utilized and other factors, such as how foreign therapy concepts are for you and your body. Remembering that the brain & body can’t differentiate between real & perceived, ie: when discussing a stressful topic/ event, especially one that is stuck- the body & brain responds, causing you to feel that stress and in turn making you feel physically & emotionally exhausted. However, MMCC therapist are always assessing and will ensure you have tools and guidance in helping you regulate & calm your system. MMCC therapists will constantly be teaching you ways to recognize messengers, listening & trusting yourself, and helping regulate your nervous system all to help manage these stressors & stuck memories. The more you practice skills to help with regulation and heal stuck memories, the less exhaustion you will experience; building that tolerance. A good analogy for this is a marathon runner beginning to train. Their body won’t be able to run the 26.2 miles in the same way they will in months of training.

Check out the 3 R’s to a calmer system blog post to explore some ways to help!

5. How will I know therapy is working?

There are several ways to reflect successful therapy and the most important data comes from YOU! You are the one who will be able to tell if your work and take aways from therapy are benefiting you or not. The obvious one is symptoms are decreasing and you are managing better,

Below are a list of other signs therapy is working:

• Increased effective communication

• Increased boundary setting

• Increased self-confidence, self-love, self-worth and self-trust

• Increased body awareness

• Increased regulation (feeling overall more calm)

• Increased sense of internal control

• Increased understanding of self

• Increased positive self-talk/inner-coach dialogue

• Increased internal validation

• Increased & consistent use of tools

• Unlearned behaviors that were keeping you stagnant

• Increased growth mindset

• Increased ability to identify thoughts, feelings, & emotions as messengers vs. triggers

• Increased understanding of parts

• Increased nurture of self

• Increase understanding of how to regulate, recharge & revisit

• Increased understanding of values

• Increase in creating and maintaining balance

• Increase stress management & distress tolerance