Entering behavioral therapy can be both an empowering and transformative decision, but it's natural to feel a bit uncertain. One piece of advice I'd offer is to approach the experience with an open mind and patience for the process. Behavioral therapy-whether it's CBT, somatic therapy, or another approach-provides a safe, non-judgmental space where you can explore and understand your emotions and behaviors. Our therapists are trained in trauma-informed care, for instance, can help you recognize how past experiences impact your thoughts, emotions, and even physical sensations. Remember, therapy is about finding validation and tools for managing symptoms like anxiety or stress. Progress may not be immediate; healing is often a journey with highs and lows, but with your therapist's support, you can steadily build resilience, coping skills, and a sense of control over your life.
Associate Therapist/3rd Year Clinical Psychology PhD Student at Tamalpais Pediatrics
Answered 2 years ago
One key piece of advice I would offer to someone considering behavioral therapy for the first time is to approach it with openness and patience. Therapy is a process, and it can take time to see meaningful change. What's important to know is that therapy is a collaborative effort between you and the therapist. You'll work together to identify patterns in your thoughts and behaviors that may be contributing to challenges in your life. The more honest and engaged you are, the more effective the therapy will be. Also, it's okay if it takes time to feel comfortable or even to find the right therapist-it's normal, and part of the journey!
That this job is not for the faint of heart, what I mean by that, is that so many people will take a behavioral therapy job and think it's easy money. It's not. I would tell anyone going into the field that it is something that you truly want to do, almost like a calling, that you know that you want to work with a population that oftentimes, is misunderstood or overlooked. I would also suggest researching autism and MDD/IDD to understand how to work with that population. Often you have to think on the fly to alter your treatment based on who you are dealing with and the situation at hand. Keep in mind that ABA therapy is not always cut and dry and that you can adjust your treatment based on what is happening.
Start with a consultation call to see if the therapist feels right for you. That connection matters more than anything else-if you're not feeling it, therapy won't be as helpful. Find someone you vibe with; it makes all the difference.
My advice to someone considering behavioral therapy is to make sure they have the willingness to change before going into it. If they go into therapy expecting the therapist to help them without having to do any work themselves, then they are wasting their time. Behavioral therapy takes a lot of ongoing work both during therapy and when going about one's daily life. Change starts inside the individual and therapy is merely a tool to aid in that process.
One piece of advice I would give to anyone considering behavioral therapy for the first time is to go in with an open mind and a willingness to actively participate in the process. Behavioral therapy is highly collaborative, it is not just about showing up but engaging in practices and applying new strategies consistently in daily life. Many people think therapy is something done to them but true progress often comes from the commitment they bring to each session and the time spent between sessions implementing techniques they've learned. Having realistic expectations is also key. Therapy does not deliver overnight results but over time, small changes build into lasting positive shifts. This process might feel gradual yet the cumulative impact can be profound. For example, I once worked with a national level athlete dealing with a post-injury mental block, which affected both their confidence and performance. Using elements from my physiotherapy background in musculoskeletal and orthopaedic rehabilitation, I tailored a program that included not only physical but behavioral therapy techniques, such as cognitive reframing and visualisation exercises. After several months of dedicated work and consistent follow through, the athlete experienced a noticeable shift-not only physically but in how they approached setbacks and fears. This holistic approach, grounded in over 30 years of experience, allowed them to regain full confidence and return to competition stronger than before. It's a great example of how committing to the process and integrating behavioral techniques into daily life can bring about powerful and lasting changes.