Anybody can look at you. It’s quite rare to find someone who sees the same world you see.” – John Green, Turtles All The Way Down
Deciding to go to a therapist, no matter the reason, is an act of courage. You have made the choice to be vulnerable about your inner world and experiences, with someone who is a complete stranger at first. I value and commend that courage. As a therapist, I aspire to be able to see, hear, and validate the client’s experience.
Seeing, hearing, and validating, require empathy. Empathy is something we are all born with, but something we have to work to exhibit as an adult.
Empathy is defined as an ability to feel with someone, to share and understand their feelings. It is an important trait for a successful therapist.
To be able to connect with clients and empathize with them, is always my first goal as a therapist. I work collaboratively with clients to develop solution-focused style goals. Solution-focused goals highlight client strengths to bring about solutions. Client’s have the ability they need to make desired changes within themselves, as a therapist, I simply work to bring their strengths to light and help them add tools to their toolkit. Sometimes, the experiences, trauma, and grief a client has, the only solution is to be present, to sit with them in that space.
A therapist should also always know if something is beyond their scope of practice. If what a client needs is beyond what I am capable of, I work with that client to find them the right fit in a therapist.
Those are just a few thoughts on therapy, from a Marriage and Family Therapist Associate. If you’re considering therapy, reach out to us today! You’re one step closer to your Best Life!
