Trusting the Therapeutic Process: 3 Suggestions for Clients
When a client walks through the door of a therapist’s office for the first time, they almost always share a feeling of nervousness.
It takes a great deal of courage to begin the therapeutic process, and there are plenty of unknowns. One of the greatest factors in a client’s ability to address their concerns and reach their goals is a trusting, dynamic, positive relationship between client and therapist. As therapists, our job (and calling) is to build a strong, therapeutic relationship with each and every one of our clients. We can go far when we go together.
Simply put, the therapeutic process is the combination of interactions and communications that take place between client and therapist during sessions. As client and therapist build a relationship over time, there may be questions that arise naturally in the client’s mind: “Is this working?” “Am I doing this right?” “How can I know when change is occurring?” Here are 3 suggestions for clients as they look for ways to facilitate the therapeutic process:
Ask Away
Your therapist wants to hear your questions. If you are experiencing unfamiliar emotions, questions about therapy, or especially if you feel frustrated with the process…share your feelings with your therapist in session. Believe it or not, sharing your experience is absolutely vital to the therapeutic process. When you engage in the process and provide feedback, you are helping your therapist to understand your needs, internal process, and places that may need clarity. Always ask!
Take Your Time
One of the very first things a therapist will likely communicate to her client is that therapy takes time. No matter how badly we desire to move quickly, effective and lasting change comes in time and cannot be rushed. The process itself is where true growth and change occurs. When clients change expectations from crossing a therapeutic “finish line” to slow, intentional steps along the way, they are much more likely to relax into a productive therapeutic process. Slow, shaky steps still count.
Show Up
While it may seem simple, the power of consistently showing up to sessions can never be underestimated. When you prioritize your personal growth in therapy and continually put yourself in a position to learn and explore alongside your therapist, changes will happen. If you’ve struggled to believe that change is possible, we encourage you to consistently commit to the process and see where it takes you. You may be surprised to see where you land.
Here at Atlanta Wellness Collective, we want to help. For support, contact us or request an appointment online.
This blog post was written by Julia Webb.
Disclaimer: This blog is not intended to substitute professional therapeutic advice. Talk with your healthcare provider about your health concerns and before starting or stopping therapies. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct professional advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
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