How to Make the Most Out of Your Counseling Session
- Ana Ryon
- Sep 8
- 3 min read
At Lighthouse Wellness, we believe that stepping into a counseling session is already a courageous act of self-care. Our sessions last 75 minutes—longer than the traditional 50-minute format—so you have more space to slow down, reflect, and process at your own pace. To help you maximize the time and truly benefit from your journey, here are some tips for making the most out of your counseling sessions.
1. Come Prepared, But Stay Open
It helps to reflect on what’s been on your mind before you arrive. You might jot down a few thoughts:
What emotions have been strongest lately?
What situations feel unresolved or needs urgent processing?
What do you want clarity on today?
At the same time, allow yourself to stay open. Sometimes what surfaces in session may surprise you—and those moments often lead to the deepest breakthroughs.
2. Bring Your Whole Self
Counseling is most effective when you’re honest with yourself and your counselor. This means sharing both your struggles and your strengths, your doubts and your hopes. You don’t have to have the “right words.” What matters is showing up as you are. Remember, this is a safe and confidential space. Hiding something or holding back—especially if it feels embarrassing—can keep you from making the most out of the session. Often, the very thing you’re hesitant to bring up is what most needs space and compassion in counseling.
3. Take Advantage of the Extra Time
With 75 minutes, there’s room to breathe. Arrive to the Zoom room on time and use that spaciousness to pause and notice what you’re feeling in your body, not just what you’re thinking in your head. Sometimes sitting in silence for a few moments allows clarity to emerge more naturally than rushing through your story.
4. Ask Questions Along the Way
Counseling isn’t a one-way process. If you’re wondering about a perspective (yours or your counselor's), unsure about something, or want to explore an idea further, ask. Your counselor is there not only to listen but also to collaborate with you in creating insight and growth. One of the important things you can bring with you to a session is curiosity.
5. Notice What Resonates
Pay attention to the moments that “stick” with you—whether it’s a phrase, a new perspective, or even a strong emotion. These often point to areas that hold the most meaning and opportunity for change. We encourage you to bring a notebook with you to your sessions, because sometimes, those Aha! moments can be fleeting. Whether you end up writing something or none at all, what's important is that you are ready.
6. Carry the Session With You
The work doesn’t end when the 75 minutes are up. Try to:
Journal about insights that came up.
Practice small strategies or coping tools discussed in session.
Notice patterns in your daily life that connect with what you explored.
If your counselor gives you an assignment, try your best to fulfill it so you can talk about it in your next session.
Growth often happens in between sessions, as you apply what you’ve gained into real-life situations.
7. Be Gentle With Yourself
Some sessions may feel light and uplifting, while others may stir deeper emotions. Both are valuable. Counseling is not about “fixing” yourself—it’s about understanding yourself better and creating space for healing and growth. Give yourself permission to move at your own pace.
Counseling is an investment in yourself. With the extended time and the friendlier rates we offer at Lighthouse Wellness, you have the opportunity to go deeper, reflect more fully, and leave feeling grounded. By showing up with openness, engaging actively, and carrying the work forward into your days, you can make the most out of every session.
See you soon!
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