The best word I would use to describe my approach to therapy is flexible. I believe in meeting clients where they are at and allowing them to take the lead in regard to what they would like to share and what things they would like to work on. A therapist-client relationship is a partnership where we work together to achieve whatever goals the client has in mind.
EMDR, Trauma, PTSD, Phobia, Substance, Family
I strive to be warm and conversational throughout my sessions. I’m here to assist in doing the work and achieving all of the therapeutic goals, but I also care about what you did over the weekend or the funny thing that happened at work.
I would say who I am as a therapist and who I am outside of that role are pretty similar. I like to be as authentic as I can be. I can be witty and sarcastic. I’m also empathetic and can feel things deeply.
As I mentioned before, I believe the therapeutic relationship is one of partnership. One where the therapist and client can work together to not only identify and explore treatment goals, but to also strategize ways to accomplish these goals. I like to break down big goals into smaller parts, allowing to process to feel less overwhelming and more manageable, while allowing the client to set the pace.
As a therapist who has worked in field for almost a decade now, I’ve learned to pay attention to even the smallest of victories. Whether a client’s goal was to be able to face their biggest fear or if it was something as small as journaling for a few minutes before bed. Witnessing a client accomplish any goals is reward enough for me.
I feel that it is always best to practice what you preach, and I would never encourage a client to do something I wouldn’t be willing to do myself. I find it so important to make time for myself on my days off. I make sure I use that time for the things that make me happy, whether that’s going on a trip and exploring somewhere new, reading a book that can teach me something new, or if I need time to just rest where I can just lay on my couch with my cat binging the latest reality tv show. Do the things that make you happy, whatever that is.
I would hope that the client walks away feeling heard. And not only heard, but also accepted as they are. I want my clients to know they always have someone that not only wants to hear about how they feel, but that they have someone who cares about them too.