It might be challenging to open up to a stranger, particularly when it involves a delicate topic that revolves around you. It is crucial to keep in mind that your counselor or coach is there to help you, even though things do become better with time. They will frequently start the session with a question and gently lead you through it with follow-up inquiries and prompts. Nevertheless, as the weeks go by, it might occasionally be challenging to come up with conversation starters. This is an excellent moment to delve a little bit more rather than wrapping up your sessions.
Here are a few way to do just that:
Observe your emotions in the moment.
Despite the fact that your week may have been filled with many events, begin with how you are currently feeling. Talk about your current situation with your counselor and be honest with yourself, even if it’s just saying, “I would rather be sleeping/working/exercising than at counseling right now.”
Sometimes, what’s right in front of you, may be what you most need to talk about.
Keep a journal in between meetings
You can truly delve a little bit deeper and get your sessions off to a wonderful start by keeping a journal. It may enable you to comprehend things more clearly and profoundly. It’s also a really useful tool for monitoring your own ideas and habits.
Take your diary with you to your next appointment so you may discuss it with your counselor. This might assist you in seeing and addressing trends in your own ideas and actions. Sometimes, while we are engrossed in the moment, it is harder to see ourselves in the rear-view mirror.
Think about your interpersonal relationships
Relationships have a significant impact on your everyday mood and mental well-being. This applies to all relationships, not just romantic ones; your emotional state is influenced by your siblings, parents, friends, and boss, among others.
What is going on in your romantic life? Do you talk to your pals less than you usually do? Do you think your family is there for you? Do you experience the same issues with friendships? Do you consider yourself to be supported by anyone other than your counselor? You may get the answer to the main question of how your connections impact your life by investigating all of these.
Big changes or life shifts
Big life changes like getting married, having a baby, changing jobs, a breakup or moving can trigger our emotions. Even if the life change is good, it can still bring up a mix of feelings that are important to unpack. Don’t be afraid to bring up new changes that are currently happening or on the horizon. Counseling sessions should be safe spaces to share your feels and speak freely.
Things you are uncomfortable with
Everybody categorises their ideas and emotions into groups based on “should and shouldn’t be thinking and feeling.” Recognize that it is acceptable to feel whatever it is you are experiencing, and that discussing it in session is even more acceptable. In counselling or coaching, there are no too-small or too-big topics to discuss, and emotions have no time limits.
It’s important to be open to whatever emotional information surfaces as well as any recommendations your counselor may have since often we don’t even realise that we’re suppressing our emotions.
Think of your sessions as a secure space where you can talk about things you’ve been holding back or are uncomfortable discussing.
Sky is the limit
We all have different opinions on what counseling or coaching should or shouldn’t entail. While it is true that some counselees seek solution for conditions including their day to day anxiety, work-stress, emotional trauma and depression, this isn’t always the case. Since the ultimate goal is to help you better understand yourself, no subject is off-limits. There are enormous potential and possibilities that can be worked out that will be best suited for your wellbeing.
Last Words
Remember that your counselor or coach is there to support you if you find the action points difficult or unable to convey your issues to the counselor or coach. A secure space to explore and learn more about your ideals and self should be provided via counseling. You will learn more about your own values, objectives, and well-being the more questions you are able to ask yourself.
Save this website to your bookmarks and bring it up in your next session if you are stuck or confused for conversation subjects!
