But why is this important?
According to the APA, patients can struggle when it comes to discussing difficult things. After all, it’s no fun to drum up past drama or hurt. But when you feel a sense of relief or hope, this means that you’re moving in a direction of exploration. This is a sign that therapy is indeed effective.
In this process, ask yourself how much you’ve opened up to your therapist. Are there issues that you were once afraid to discuss that have been laid out on the table? If so, you’re probably on the right track.
Just make sure not to shut down once those issues are uncovered. You may take two steps back and one step forward in the process, but the important thing is that you are moving ahead.
So sit down and think about what issues you have overcome. Make a list if this feels comfortable to you. What were you afraid to face that you have now delved into? How has your life changed in general? Have your relationships improved? Has your depression lessened? These are all determiners of how effective therapy has been.
In truth, therapy is about laying it all on the line. This probably won’t happen for quite some time, but it should happen at some point. This is why you need to ask yourself if you’re comfortable dishing out your most deeply guarded secrets.