A Beginner's Guide to Psychotherapy - Part 3

What happens after you've decided on a type of therapy, chosen a therapist, and gone through the initial intake process? Well, that's when the work of therapy begins. Your therapist will develop a treatment plan based on your stated goals and each session will work toward achieving those goals.

During this time it is important to remember that you are in charge of your treatment. While the therapist brings clinical expertise and objectivity, you remain the expert on your life and needs. Additionally, you are paying for this service so you are entitled to certain things. Your rights as a client are outlined in the Mental Healthcare Patient Bill of Rights, which was developed by 37 mental health organizations.

In essence, the patient bill of rights clarifies that you are entitled to evidence-based care that meets your personal, cultural, and developmental needs and is in keeping with your values. To that end, you should feel free to ask questions about your treatment plan and your progress at any time. Also, don't hesitate to voice concerns about how sessions are going, therapist's interactions with you, or any other aspect of therapy. Let the therapist know if you are unsure about something they've said/done or if anything makes you uncomfortable.

Finally, remember that therapy ends and is designed to end. If you feel that you have achieved the goals you set for therapy or that therapy is no longer useful for you (or for any reason at all really), feel free to end it. The process of ending therapy is called termination. You can initiate termination by expressing your desire to end treatment, or your therapist will initiate termination if they feel you have met your goals or that they are no longer able to help you toward your goals. Termination usually happens over the course of a few sessions so that you don't feel abandoned and the therapist can assist with transitioning to another clinician or to whatever else you may decide on after the close of treatment. However, if you choose, you can end therapy whenever you want just by telling the therapist that you don't wish to continue.