Tips for Talking to Your Doctor About Behavioral Health

Seeking help from a behavioral health professional is an important step in taking care of your mental and emotional well-being. Whether you're grappling with anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, or trauma, having an open and honest conversation with your therapist can be the key to your healing process. However, for many individuals, initiating or navigating conversations in therapy can feel daunting. If you're located in Provo and considering starting or continuing therapy, these tips for talking to your behavioral health professional can help you make the most of your sessions at Brookside Counseling and other trusted mental health providers.

1. Be Honest and Open About Your Feelings

One of the most important aspects of therapy is honesty. Behavioral Health Professionals Provo are trained to listen without judgment, and their primary goal is to help you, not to criticize you. To get the most benefit from therapy, it’s crucial to be truthful about your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. If you're feeling anxious, depressed, overwhelmed, or confused, it's essential to share these emotions with your therapist.

Being open about what's going on in your life — whether it’s a specific event, a relationship issue, or your day-to-day struggles — will help your therapist better understand your situation and tailor their approach to your needs. Even if you’re unsure about how you feel or have trouble expressing your emotions, it’s okay to start with what you know or feel in the moment. Over time, this practice can lead to deeper self-awareness and a stronger therapeutic relationship.

2. Set Clear Goals for Your Therapy Sessions

Setting goals is a vital part of therapy. Before you attend your first session or prior to each follow-up, take some time to reflect on what you hope to achieve. Your goals can be big or small, short-term or long-term — what matters is that they are meaningful to you. Clear goals help give direction to the therapy process and provide both you and your therapist with a benchmark for measuring progress.

Examples of therapy goals might include:

Learning how to cope with stress more effectively.
Overcoming negative thinking patterns.
Improving communication in a relationship.
Addressing past trauma.
Managing symptoms of anxiety or depression.

At Brookside Counseling, Behavioral Health Professionals Provo can help you clarify and refine these goals. Be sure to check in periodically to see how you’re progressing and adjust the goals if necessary.

3. Don’t Hesitate to Ask Questions

Therapists are there to support you and answer any questions you might have. If you're unsure about something during a session, whether it’s a technique being used or a term your therapist has mentioned, don’t be afraid to ask for clarification. Understanding the therapy process is essential for fully engaging with the work.

Additionally, asking questions can help build a stronger rapport with your therapist and ensure that you’re both on the same page about your treatment plan. For example, you might ask:

"Can you explain how this therapy technique works?"
"What should I be focusing on between sessions?"
"Are there any strategies I can try outside of therapy to cope with my symptoms?"
"How do we measure progress in therapy?"

Your therapist at Brookside Counseling will appreciate your curiosity and willingness to actively engage in your healing process.

While it’s important to discuss challenges or difficult experiences in therapy, don’t forget to highlight the progress you're making. Reflecting on what’s going well, even in small ways, can help boost your confidence and provide motivation for continued growth.

For example, if you’ve noticed that you’re managing your anxiety better in certain situations, or that you’ve learned new coping strategies that are working for you, share that information. Celebrating the positives allows your therapist to reinforce your progress and provides a sense of accomplishment that can fuel further success.

Behavioral Health Professionals Provo at Brookside Counseling are invested in your progress and will celebrate your victories with you. They will also help you build on these successes, reinforcing your resilience.

5. Be Patient With the Process

Therapy can sometimes feel slow, and the path to healing is not always linear. There may be times when you feel like you’re not making progress, or when you hit a setback. This is completely normal. Healing takes time, and emotional growth can involve facing difficult emotions or experiences. Be patient with yourself and the process.

Remember that every step, no matter how small, is part of your overall progress. If you’re feeling frustrated or discouraged, it’s okay to share those feelings with your therapist. They can help you navigate through challenging times and help you stay focused on your long-term goals.

6. Stay Consistent and Committed

Consistency is key when it comes to therapy. The more you invest in attending sessions and putting effort into the work, the more likely you are to see long-term improvements. Make attending therapy a priority and try to stick to the schedule you’ve agreed upon with your therapist.

If something comes up and you’re unable to attend a session, be sure to reschedule as soon as possible. This commitment to the process will demonstrate to your therapist that you’re dedicated to making positive changes in your life.

At Brookside Counseling, therapists understand that life can get busy or unpredictable, but staying consistent with your appointments will maximize your opportunity for healing and growth.

7. Address Any Discomfort or Concerns Directly

It’s normal to feel uncomfortable at times in therapy, especially when discussing deeply personal topics. However, if something in therapy isn’t sitting right with you, or if you're feeling uneasy about the way a session is progressing, it’s essential to address it. A strong therapeutic relationship is built on trust, and that includes being able to express any concerns you may have.

Whether you're feeling uncomfortable with a particular therapeutic technique, or if you have doubts about the direction of your therapy, don’t hesitate to speak up. Your therapist will appreciate your feedback and will work with you to ensure that the therapy process feels supportive and beneficial.

8. Take Responsibility for Your Part in the Process

While your therapist is there to guide and support you, you are the primary driver of your healing process. Therapy works best when you actively participate, take responsibility for your own mental health, and follow through on strategies or homework assignments your therapist recommends.

For example, if your therapist asks you to journal your thoughts or try relaxation exercises between sessions, make sure to follow through. Engaging in this work outside of therapy allows you to practice and apply the skills you’re learning in real-life situations, accelerating your progress.

At Brookside Counseling, the goal is to empower clients to take control of their mental health and live healthier, more fulfilling lives. Being an active participant will help you achieve the positive results you desire.

9. Don’t Be Afraid to Change Therapists if Needed

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you may feel that the fit between you and your therapist isn’t ideal. If that happens, it’s important to remember that it’s okay to find a new therapist. The therapeutic relationship is critical to the success of therapy, and if you feel that your current therapist isn’t the right fit, it’s okay to seek someone who better aligns with your needs.

At Brookside Counseling, if you feel that your therapist isn’t the right match, they can work with you to find another provider who may be better suited to your needs.

10. Be Kind to Yourself

Therapy can be challenging, but it is also an opportunity for self-compassion and growth. Be gentle with yourself as you navigate the process of emotional healing. Recognize that seeking help is a courageous act, and by taking this step, you're already demonstrating resilience and strength.

Your therapist at Brookside Counseling will provide the support, tools, and guidance you need to overcome obstacles, but you must also be kind and patient with yourself during the journey. Healing is a process, and it's important to honor each step you take toward improved well-being.

Conclusion

Talking to your behavioral health professional in Provo, especially at a trusted clinic like Brookside Counseling, can be a life-changing experience. By being open, patient, and engaged, you can build a strong therapeutic relationship that promotes emotional healing and personal growth. The tips outlined in this article will help you get the most out of your therapy sessions, allowing you to make meaningful progress on your mental health journey. Whether you're seeking help for anxiety, depression, trauma, or any other mental health issue, remember that therapy is a collaborative process, and with the right support, you can achieve lasting change.