How can they help me get through tough life circumstances?

How could clients/patients expect therapy professionals that don’t know them personally to help them get through tough life circumstances? …Especially when we know that the mental health provider communicates with multiple clients daily? Sable

Thank you for your question, Sable. With any form of talk therapy, the main component is the relationship which is built between the psychologist and their client. The therapeutic relationship is the relationship between a therapist and a client in a therapeutic setting, characterized by trust, empathy, and a mutual goal of promoting the client’s well-being.

“The therapeutic relationship is the most important process across the spectrum of psychological therapies.” Kazantzis, 2022

Your psychologist will have years of training and experience in building strong relationships. This includes building good relationships with multiple different clients in a day. A strong therapeutic relationship can help you feel supported, understood, and develop trust with your therapist. A good relationship between client and therapy can lead to more effective therapy sessions. A strong therapeutic relationship can provide:
• A safe and supportive environment for clients to explore their thoughts and feelings.
• A sense of trust and empathy, allowing clients to be open and honest with their therapist.
• A collaborative and cooperative atmosphere for working towards therapeutic goals.
• Increased motivation for clients to engage in the therapeutic process and make positive changes.

There are some things you can do to assist the therapist to build a strong and trusting relationship with you.

• Be open and honest with your psychologist about your thoughts and feelings.
• If there are topics, you don’t feel ready to discuss let them know what these are.
• Follow through with homework and other therapeutic assignments.
• Communicate your needs and expectations for therapy.
• Being respectful and considerate towards your psychologist.
• Provide feedback on how you feel about the therapy and your progress.
• Consistently attend sessions and be reliable.

It is important you discuss any concerns you have regarding your relationship with your psychologist or contact the practice manager or senior psychologist to discuss these concerns if you feel the relationship is not reparable and you need to change psychologist.