Welcome to Cardinal Counseling Group
Currently Accepting New Clients in Buford, Georgia!
WHO WE ARE
Our strength lies not only in the evidence based practices and models we utilize, but in the relationships we build with our clients. The goal at Cardinal Counseling Group is to get to know the "real you"; not just the story you've lived so far, but the story you are hoping to write. Our team is excited to walk alongside you on this journey. From the moment you make the decision to partner with one of our clinicians, we encourage you to stay open to the process and continue to ask questions along the way. Whether this is your first experience with therapy or you are exploring the possibility of working with someone new, we are excited and grateful for the opportunity to help you meet your goals.
What should I prepare for when starting therapy?
Starting therapy is a significant step toward self-awareness, healing, and personal growth. It can be both an exciting and nerve-wracking experience. Being prepared can help ease initial anxieties and set the stage for a productive therapeutic relationship. Here's what you might consider when preparing to start therapy:
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Research Your Therapist: Familiarize yourself with your therapist's credentials, therapeutic approach, and any specialties they might have. Knowing their background can help set expectations.
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Logistical Preparation: Ensure you know the location of your therapist's office, their contact details, appointment time, the duration of sessions, payment or insurance details, and any paperwork or forms you might need to fill out.
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Set Personal Goals: Think about what you hope to achieve with therapy. Are there specific issues you want to address? Setting clear objectives can provide direction and help measure progress.
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Prepare Emotionally: Understand that therapy can sometimes be challenging. You might discuss uncomfortable or painful topics. Acknowledge your feelings and remember it's okay to feel vulnerable.
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Open Mindset: Approach therapy with an open mind. Therapists might introduce new perspectives or suggest techniques you haven't considered. Being receptive can enhance the therapeutic process.
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Questions for Your Therapist: It's okay to have questions! You might want to know more about the therapeutic process, their experience with issues similar to yours, or their views on medication.
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Confidentiality: Familiarize yourself with confidentiality rules. Your therapist should explain these at the start, but always feel free to ask if you have concerns about privacy.
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Journaling: Consider starting a journal to track your feelings, thoughts, and progress. It can be helpful to look back and reflect on your journey.
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Self-Care: Therapy can be emotionally draining, especially initially. Ensure you have self-care routines in place, whether it's relaxation techniques, physical activity, or spending time with loved ones.
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Manage Expectations: While therapy can be transformative, change might not occur overnight. Be patient with yourself and the process.
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Know Your Boundaries: Think about any topics or areas you're not ready to discuss. It's okay to set boundaries, and a good therapist will respect them.
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Emergency Contacts: If your therapy is for specific issues that might result in crises, ensure you have a list of emergency contacts, such as crisis helplines.
Remember, the goal of therapy is to support and empower you. It's a collaboration between you and your therapist, so communication is crucial. Feel free to express any concerns, ask questions, or provide feedback about the process.