20 Things to Talk About With Your Therapist
Summary of article written by: Elizabeth Marston, MSW, LCSW
Reviewed by: Dena Westphalen, Pharm.D
Choosing Therapy, Published: March 18, 2022
There are no “wrong” things to talk about in therapy. Small things and big things are all OK to bring to your therapist. If it’s on your mind, it’s important.
Although your therapist should be able to engage you in conversation, it doesn’t hurt to think about what you might discuss. Therapy has many benefits, especially when the client/therapist relationship is a good match, so think of it as a way to try and get the most out of the experience.
Here are 20 things to talk about with your therapist:
1. What Prompted You to Contact a Therapist?
2. Feelings About Therapy
3. Previous Experiences With Therapy
4. Current Relationships
5. Sex/Sexuality
6. Current Job/Career
7. Places Where You Feel Stuck
8. Creative Endeavors
9. Personal Strengths
10. Current Coping Strategies
11. Trigger Points
12. Major Life Transitions
13. Grief
14. Childhood Experiences
15. Abuse/Neglect/Violence In Your Past
16. Generational Patterns
17. Medical History
18. Fears About the Future
19. Hopes For the Future
20. That Thing You’re Avoiding Talking About
What to Talk About When Things Are Going Well
If things are going well and you’re not in crisis, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t important things to discuss. It’s important to talk about what is helping and how you feel about the positive things in your life. This can help you plan what to do if life throws a curveball. It’s also important to process any concerns that things may go awry.
Things going well can also be a sign that therapy is at its end. If you are at a point where you feel that life is good, bring this up with your therapist! Ending a therapeutic relationship intentionally allows both you and the therapist to assess your progress, discuss any lingering concerns, and, most importantly, experience the ending of a relationship in a healthy way. It’s also important to remember that pausing or ending therapy can be “for now” and does not have to be forever.