Home Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy Don’t Let the Fear of the Unknown Hold You Back: 4 Tips for Trying Out New Therapies

Don’t Let the Fear of the Unknown Hold You Back: 4 Tips for Trying Out New Therapies

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Deciding to try out a new therapy can be both exciting and anxiety-inducing. On the one hand, you’re hoping that this could be the thing that finally helps you feel better. On the other hand, you might be worried about what to expect or whether it will even work. 

Here are a few things to keep in mind as you start exploring new therapies:

Do your research

Before trying any new therapy, it’s important to do your research and make sure it’s safe and reputable. Talk to your doctor or a trusted healthcare professional to get their opinion and recommendations. Once you’ve decided on a few options, take some time to read reviews from other people who have tried the therapy before. This will help you get a better sense of what the experience is actually like.

And anyone who has ever tried a new therapy knows that there is a lot of trial and error involved. Even when you’ve done your research and consulted with experts, it can be hard to tell if a particular therapy is right for you. A

By staying up-to-date on the latest scientific research, you can make sure that you’re using the most effective therapies available depending on what you’re trying to remedy with your body or mind. And if you’re ever unsure about whether a therapy is right for you, again, consult with a qualified healthcare professional. 

Be prepared for a commitment

Most therapies take some time to show results, so it’s important to be prepared for a bit of a commitment. If you’re only looking for a quick fix, you might be disappointed with the results of most therapies. It’s important to go into it with realistic expectations and give the therapy enough time to work. 

When you’re considering starting a new therapy, it’s important to be prepared for the commitment like in the case of osteopathy should you consider it. It’s not a one-appointment treatment as some patients may require 3–6 treatments before they notice any relief. And just like many similar treatments, the investment of time, money, and effort can be significant, so you want to be sure that you’re ready to commit before starting. Otherwise, you may find yourself quickly dropping out or feeling unmotivated. 

Being prepared for a commitment means having a clear understanding of why you’re seeking therapy and what you hope to achieve. It also means being realistic about the time and effort required to see results. If you’re prepared for the commitment, you’ll be more likely to stick with the therapy long enough to see benefits. In the end, giving your commitment will help you get the most out of it.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions

When you first start therapy, you might feel like there is a lot you don’t know or understand. That’s normal! Don’t be afraid to ask your therapist questions so that you can learn more about how the therapy works and what you can expect from it. The more informed you are, the better equipped you’ll be to manage your expectations and commit to the process. 

The old adage ‘there’s no such thing as a stupid question’ definitely applies especially when trying new things out. No matter how much research you do or how many people you talk to, there will always be things that you’re not sure about. And that’s okay! The most important thing is that you feel comfortable asking questions and getting clarification. 

After all, it’s your body and your well-being that is at stake. So don’t be afraid to speak up if you’re unsure about something. Chances are, the therapist will appreciate your openness and will be more than happy to help put your mind at ease. When all is said and done, being willing to ask questions will only improve your experience and increase the chances that you’ll find a therapy that works for you.

Consider the costs 

Unfortunately, not all therapies are covered by insurance, which means you may have to pay out of pocket if you decide to go ahead with treatment. Make sure you understand the costs involved before committing to anything, so there are no surprises down the line.

Sometimes it’s not just the monetary costs, but also the opportunity cost; what you could be doing with your time and energy if you weren’t pursuing this new therapy. For example, if you’re thinking about starting art therapy, you’ll want to consider the cost of the therapist’s time, as well as any associated costs like books or painting/drawing materials. After all, you will be asked to explore your thoughts and feelings through drawing and other media for this specific therapy.

You’ll also want to think about how much time and effort you’ll need to put in to get the most out of the therapy. If you’re already stretched thin, it might not be the best use of your resources to start a new therapy. On the other hand, if you have some extra time and energy, and you think this new therapy could help you reach your goals, then it might be worth considering. Weighing the costs can help you decide whether or not pursuing a new therapy is right for you.

Takeaway

Trying out new therapies can be daunting, but it can also be exciting at the same time. By doing your research, being prepared for a commitment, asking questions, and keeping an eye on the costs, you’ll set yourself up for success as you explore different options for improving your health and well-being. Who knows? You might just find exactly what you’re looking for. 


Dennis Relojo-Howell is the managing director of Psychreg.

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