Feeling Lost after Therapy Sessions?
Not all therapy sessions end with you walking away feeling re-energized, fulfilled, and content. Sometimes a therapy session can leave us feeling overwhelmed, undone, and processing complex emotions in the aftermath. What you do after a therapy appointment can help set the stage for the rest of your week until you meet again with your therapist. While what feels right for you is subjective, there are a few things that may be helpful to integrate post-therapy for maximum benefits. Here are some things to consider doing after your session:
Write down a few key moments that stood out to you in session. Maybe these are some points that were made in the session that made you think differently about something or could even include new words you are using to describe your feelings or situation.
Rest! Some people enjoy taking a nap after therapy, and will strategically schedule sessions so they can rest their body and mind.
Give yourself space to process the session. This may include writing in a journal, sitting quietly, or eliminating distractions like cellphones and TV for some amount of time before you reintegrate into the fast-paced world.
Allow yourself some time before putting skills into practice. You can be patient with yourself when it comes to new skills you may have learned that day, or homework you have been assigned. Let the information sit with you for a bit before you decide how putting it into practice will look for you. Healing isn’t a sprint, it is a marathon.
Integrate other forms of alternative healing that are important to you. Post-therapy is a wonderful time to engage in other forms of healing that have worked for you, and are safe for you. These may include meditative practices, yoga, work with healing crystals, sound therapy, grounding techniques, and other alternative means that bring you peace and clarity.