Yes, I give homework: Here’s Why…

It is common, today, that people seek support for mental wellness when they are feeling 'stuck' in their thoughts and feelings, or they want to make shifts in their behaviours, communication or relationships. 

Often, the initial session is used for new clients to "vent" or "air out" their past and current circumstances that led them to seek the support.  During and following that initial session, it is my role, as a therapist, to identify themes or trends in thinking patterns, value systems, trigger points, and environmental influences→ and to then co-develop a treatment plan that entails goals, structure and homework to implement changes. 

Let’s unravel your thinking together.

For some, this part of therapy is surprising.

I've had clients remark that in previous therapy / counselling sessions, "I've just vented", or that their vision of therapy was "just to talk". The trouble with this, is that though it feels good to be in a safe place, and to be validated and heard in the present moment, simply talking about the issues, won't remedy the past and current issues or change outcomes and patterns in the future.

People come to therapy to adjust and make changes → they want to get better. My role is to offer tools and exercises, similar to any other health professional (i.e. a physiotherapist giving home exercises to work the muscle). In therapy, some tools work, and others don't - it is a process of trial and error for each individual. This is why a customized, strength-based approach is needed - not one size fits all, and the process takes time, energy and effort. 

An example of homework in counselling / psychotherapy is practising daily affirmations

Coming to 1 hour sessions on a regular routine is a BIG step - and by no means am I taking that away from anyone reaching out for therapy for the first time, however, this is to say that… the work completed outside of those sessions, in they "day to day', is what sets clients up for success when the therapy ends. When clients become dependent on therapy as a means to vent their challenges, it simply becomes another 'to do'. On the flip side, when clients learn to balance their own thoughts, self-regulate their moods, notice and adapt to triggers, communicate with assertiveness, maintain healthy boundaries in relationships, we see long term-success that is self-sustained long after therapy sessions end. 

After all, therapy is an investment in yourself. My commitment is to help you make the most out of your investment.

In person counselling / psychotherapy appointments, available in Midland, and virtually across Ontario.