When it comes to therapy, the therapist you choose can be the difference between getting the most out of your therapy and getting nothing out of your therapy. Having a therapist whom you feel comfortable opening up ensures you can talk about your issues in a safe space enabling you to overcome challenges faster.
Brett Kharr argues that there are countless types of therapies to choose from. And we think this reflects the consumerist age we live in which makes starting therapy more confusing.
Richard Chessick, a Psychoanalyst, writes that;
“It is the experience of the therapist’s personality and the encounter with the therapist as a human who is truly present, rather than any verbal exchange, that makes the fundamental difference in therapy. It forms a link, that brings the patient in consistently over years of treatment, even at times when the patient is very angry or upset.”
When starting therapy, it’s important to think about the type of therapy and the therapist you choose. Sometimes, you may feel comfortable with the first therapist you meet after carrying out some research online or acquiring a recommendation from a friend or family member. Other times, you may find it’s not a match at all.
Why Consultations Can Help
Consultations are a great way to see if you feel comfortable with a therapist, and we are all more than happy to do this for you. We would always advise our clients to be as open and honest as possible with the therapists they meet so they can gage their reaction first hand. In any situation where you feel uncomfortable, they may not be the best choice.
Make sure to think about your goals ahead of time so that you know from the first meeting what you are working towards. This can help you determine if the therapist is the right fit for you.
Be Honest
When Mark and Sam at Brighton & Hove Psychotherapy began their training, they remember one piece of advice on how to choose and get the most out of therapy:
“Make sure to give your therapist hell”.
The meaning of this statement is to be as brutally open and honest as possible during therapy. Especially when it comes to things you don’t want to say.
When meeting your therapist for the first time, it can be a strange feeling. You may find your therapist isn’t a good match for several reasons from feeling like you can’t open up to simply finding them annoying.
Therapists who have been through therapy themselves won’t take it personally. They know the importance of having a good connection for your own benefit. Being honest about why it isn’t a good match may even give the therapist something to reflect on and work on.
Where Do I Find Therapists?
At Brighton and Hove Psychotherapy, all our therapists are listed on our practitioner’s page. Here, you can find out more about each practitioner and the areas they specialise in. From here, you can contact them directly or get in touch with us to find out more.
Brighton and Hove Psychotherapy is a collective of experienced psychotherapists, psychologists and counsellors working with a range of client groups, including fellow therapists and health professionals. If you would like more information, or an informal discussion please get in touch. Online therapy is available.
Brighton and Hove Psychotherapy is a collective of experienced psychotherapists, psychologists and counsellors working with a range of client groups, including fellow therapists and health professionals. If you would like more information, or an informal discussion please get in touch. Online therapy is available.
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