Expanding Your Comfort Zone in Therapy
A big part of being successful in life is to push your boundaries and step outside of your comfort zone. The same goes for finding success in therapy. Trust me, no one really enjoys the anxious feelings that come with moving beyond their bubble of safety. But outside that bubble is truly where all the magic happens. It’s where we are able to grow, learn and develop in a way that expands our horizons beyond what we thought was ever possible.
When thinking about starting psychotherapy, you may be faced with feelings of fear and uncertainty. For some, it is the thought of taking the first step or making that initial call to a psychotherapist that makes you feel uncomfortable. You are unsure of what to expect regarding the process and may be wondering if therapy can even help you. I want you to know that this is a normal reaction.
The initial phone call to a therapist should hopefully help you feel better and give you a sense of hope.
Asking for help does not mean you are weak. Please understand that reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. The therapist you contact will likely ask you a few questions to gain a better understanding of your situation as well as to determine if you are a right fit for each other. They will be open to answer any questions you have (don’t be afraid to ask) and book an appointment that works for you – if you are ready.
That’s it!
Well, that’s not quite it but it really is an amazing first step!
Once you begin therapy and start to build a secure and trusting relationship with your therapist, you may at times find difficulty with opening up and talking about your feelings. Again, this is a normal part of the process. It may be that you have never felt safe being vulnerable, fear being judged, or maybe you are confused about your emotions and don’t know how to put what it is you are feeling into words.
Remember, you are not alone in this.
Your therapist should be skilled and competent enough to help you open up and explore, as well as be able to help you clarify and process your feelings and feel understood. The development of a secure, trusting relationship between client and therapist is one of the most important factors in achieving positive outcomes in therapy. 
Throughout the counselling process of changing the way you think, feel, or behave, you usually have to try out new ways of doing things, like standing up for yourself or shifting your thought process. Implementing these changes in the real world can sometimes make you anxious or uncomfortable. Doubt might set in. Continue to slowly push yourself through the icky feelings of fear and insecurity and trust that the feelings will go away once you become more confident. Your comfort zone will naturally grow and amazing things will happen.
For most people seeking therapy, one or all of the situations noted above will likely happen at some point throughout the therapeutic process. It is normal and your therapist should be able to pick up on your hesitations and address them so that you feel more comfortable and are able to move forward making the changes you desire.
No matter what goal or dream you have, I want you to remember that you do have the strength inside you to push past your comfort zone and take the chances you need to find success and happiness in your life and relationships. Because, after all, that is where all the magic happens.
