The Therapeutic Relationship

Perfect image to illustrate what happens in the therapy room. The therapeutic relationship is one of the most important aspects of good therapy. The more comfortable you feel with your therapist the easier it is to do the hard work of spilling your guts and speaking your truth. One way I try to ensure my clients feel comfortable is by being  authentic in the room. This means discussing my own life and experience at times, speaking about current events, or one that always has my clients wide eyed and cracking up is, hearing me curse. I think it helps them recognize that I'm a person too. I'm not a high priestess sitting and passing judgment on you. Rather, I'm here to hold sacred space and guide you through your own thoughts and feelings, pushing you (gently) toward your authentic and most actualized healing self. The therapeutic relationship thus becomes a place to work through your issues, to repair broken pieces of self, and to experience a secure attachment. If you have been able to form a secure bond with your therapist then you are capable of doing so with others. Do not let this connection be a deterrent to getting help. If you feel judged or misunderstood by your therapist, SPEAK UP. If you don't feel connected with them, don't hesitate to say so and ask for referrals or use Psychology Today's therapist finder to find someone more in line with you and your style of relating. It may take a couple tries, just like anything worthwhile.