Things get busy. You have work goals, family obligations, and social events, and before you know it, taking care of your mental health is at the bottom of your list. But taking time for your mind is just as important as going to the gym or getting regular check-ups.
Regularly seeing a counsellor or psychologist can make a big difference in how you deal with things, how you grow, and how you feel every day. The following five easy-to-follow tips will help you make the most of your visits and keep them up.
1. Set Goals You Actually Care About
Plan what you’re going to do. It might be learning to cope with stress, boosting your self‑confidence, deepening your relationships, or even understanding what’s ticking inside your own head.
Immediately tell your counsellor what you hope to accomplish. They will guide you through and keep you on track, making adjustments along the way.
2. Pick the Right Clinic and Counsellor
It’s okay if you don’t feel like every clinic or counsellor is a good fit. As a matter of fact, how well you work with your counsellor is very important to how much you get out of the process. You want to feel safe, understood, and cared for.
That being said, it can be easier to commit if you live in Geelong and can find a reliable Geelong psychology clinic close to home. You’re much more likely to keep going to therapy meetings if you trust them and look forward to them.
3. Lock in Your Appointments
Book the next class and put it on your calendar right away before you leave. You’re less likely to skip or forget once it’s set in stone.
Make sure you don’t miss your sessions like you would any other important meeting. You would not call off a meeting with your boss at the last minute, so don’t do it to yourself. They become a normal part of your week or month over time, like going to the gym or shopping for food.
4. Make It Easier at Home
Home life can get in the way of your plans, so it always helps to set up in advance. Talk to your family members, partner, or housemates about your counseling schedule so they can offer you support and respect your time for your appointment.
Get practical things in order, too—setup reminders, transportation, and, if needed, child care. The less resistance you encounter the day of your therapy session, the easier it is to walk out the door and prioritise your session.
5. Notice Your Wins Along the Way
It’s motivational to track where you’ve been and know how much progress you’ve made. No need for anything fancy. A journal or notes app would work, where you record the things you’ve worked through, the new insights you’ve realised, and the obstacles you’ve surmounted.
It doesn’t have to be big stuff. Even small skills are worth celebrating, such as sleeping better, managing a rough conversation calmly, and feeling less anxious in social settings. Being able to acknowledge these wins reminds you that your consistency is paying off and helps motivate you to keep showing up.
Building Consistency Into Lasting Change
Regular therapy isn’t checking a box for yourself—it’s giving yourself the tools to grow and the necessary space to heal. The more that you are able to be consistent, the better the results. Over time, those sessions may not only change how you handle stress or problems in the here and now but also how you handle life itself.