Charissa "Cherry" R.’s Post

I often use these strategies. It is quite helpful

Therapists, what do you say when a client says, "I don't know what to talk about." Cue the summary from the last session, sharing key takeaways and impactful moments. Then, pivot to the client and ask about their feelings and thoughts on the previous session. This can be a great way to warm up and transition into how your former work impacts the present. Ask, "How would you feel if we took a step back and checked in on how you feel therapy is going?" or "We haven't checked in on how it is to work together. How do you feel it's going?" This can be an opportunity to shift away from the momentum to discuss macro progress, ask for feedback, and check in on your therapeutic relationship. "I don't like looking for problems. If we're feeling settled and calm, why don't we check in on our wins and celebrate them together?" This is one I use, and this approach challenges the misconception that therapy is only for severe issues and highlights its preventative and maintenance aspects. Take the opportunity to check in with "the body" by doing a scan and asking if any feelings are arising. If the client remains disconnected and insists they don't know, exploring ambivalence can be a way to discuss discrepancies in their motivations or internal conflicts. Therapists may feel caught off guard when clients turn the conversation back to them, especially at the beginning of a session. Depending on the context, it's essential to consider whether the client's response reflects defensiveness, avoidance, attachment issues, or a protective part. But you knew that! 😉 #mentalhealth #mentalhealtheducation #therapy #clinicalsupervision

Therapists, your client just door knob confessed, repeat after me… "I am really glad you brought that up. I wish we had more time to talk through it/process what you've shared. Let's pick that up first thing when I see you (insert next time, next week)." "I am grateful you felt comfortable sharing that with me. I am sorry we didn't have time today to work through it or talk more about it." "I can see how that (or insert specific theme, paraphrase) would come up after we discussed (summarize session) today. That's a great connection—let's definitely revisit that the next time I see you." "How would you feel about journaling/writing that in your notes app or memos so we keep momentum when I see you next?" For newer therapists, a "doorknob confession" refers to a scenario where a client reveals something significant or raises a sensitive topic as they leave the therapy session. The term is derived from the image of the client's hand on the doorknob, about to depart, when they suddenly disclose something important. One explanation for this phenomenon is that clients might feel more at ease discussing the issue as they prepare to leave, possibly because they perceive less pressure or because the topic was on their minds during the session. Still, they were hesitant (maybe, even avoidant) to broach it until the last moment. Additionally, in your upcoming session, it's crucial to address the content of what the client shared AND the process by which they brought it up. This behavior could stem from attachment-related concerns, cultural differences, or attention-related issues, or perhaps it indicates a need to structure the session time more effectively. But you knew that! 😉 #mentalhealth #mentalhealtheducation #therapy #clinicalsupervision

Great suggestions on how to keep boundaries in your practice to avoid burnout, overwhelm and compassion fatigue.

Do Therapists Just Agree with Everything? Honestly, validation is about acknowledging and understanding a client's feelings and NOT agreeing with their actions. It's about creating a safe space where they feel heard and respected, regardless of the situation. It’s about making them feel heard. For example, a client might be feeling angry and frustrated after a conflict with their boss. We wouldn't say, "You shouldn't be mad!" Instead, we might ask open-ended questions like, "Can you tell me more about what happened with your boss?" This allows them to explore their emotions in a safe space. As a therapist, I've seen the power of validation, when clients feel their emotions are acknowledged, they become more open to exploring healthier ways to cope. Validation is key to building a strong therapeutic relationship, which is essential for positive change. It's not about "right" or "wrong," but about creating a space for healing and growth. P:S. Have you ever struggled to validate a client? What are your thoughts on validation & how it helps therapy? #therapy #validation #therapeuticrelationship #mentalhealth #client #therapist

🌟 Therapy Myths Debunked! 🌟 Are you curious about therapy but unsure of what to expect? Let’s clear up some common myths and shine a light on the truth! Myth #1: “Therapy is only for people with severe problems.” 🤔 Truth: Therapy is for everyone! Whether you're facing everyday stress, relationship challenges, or just trying to grow, therapy can be a valuable tool for self-discovery and improvement. Myth #2: “Therapists just listen and don’t help.” 🎧 Truth: While listening is a key part, therapists provide guidance, support, and proven techniques to help you navigate life's challenges and emotions more effectively! Myth #3: “Therapy takes forever.” ⏳ Truth: The duration of therapy varies! Many clients see progress in just a few sessions, depending on their goals. You dictate the pace! Myth #4: “Using therapy means you’re weak.” 💪 Truth: Seeking help is a sign of strength! It takes courage to confront and work through your struggles, and therapy can empower you to take control of your well-being. Ready to break these myths? Let’s work together! I'm Orin L. Conant, LMFT, providing remote online therapy services for California residents. Most insurances accepted, with private pay options available. I’m currently accepting new clients, ready to support you on your journey towards a healthier mind. 👉 Click the link below to set up a session or consultation! https://lnkd.in/gj_vdKf7 🌼 “Your mind deserves the best care!” 🌼 #TherapyMyths #MentalHealthAwareness #OnlineTherapy #CaliforniaTherapist #Resilience #SelfCare #TherapyWorks #Support #Healing #MentalHealthMatters #CourageToChange #LMTF #YouAreNotAlone #BreakTheStigma #TherapyIsForEveryone #OrinLConantLMFT

Today we're going to tackle some of the most common (and maybe some uncommon) thoughts when it comes to therapy. One of the first things to contemplate: When do I see a therapist? This can seem the most dauting at times but in reality, it can be the easiest one. The answer is - whenever you feel the need and/or want too. Whether people have suggested it, or you feel like it might be a good time, there is no better time than the present. Almost all therapists offer a free 15-minute consultation. This provides both parties time to assess not only the situation but each other. When going to a therapist you need to make sure it's the right fit. Think of it like a pair of shoes: You want something that will be dependable, durable and able to last. We've all bought the pair of shoes where we went with the look over comfort (and sometimes at a steeper price). At the end of the day, we're hobbling on our feet, wishing for a heating pad and throwing the shoes out or far away, in the back of the closet. This is not the situation you want for your therapist. Just because their profile reads well, and they've worked for someone you know; doesn't mean that they may work for you. A good therapist will acknowledge their style of therapy may not work well for you and recommend you to someone else (and a good therapist won't be offended if you acknowledge this as well - usually both sides pick up on this). I always recommend people to make 3 appointments with different therapists. If for no other reason than this: there's usually a wait to be seen and this way, if the first one works out you can cancel the other two and if the first one doesn't work out, you're already on the wait list for the next. #mentalhealth #therapy

𝙁𝙚𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙪𝙣𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙙 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙗𝙚 𝙖 𝙢𝙖𝙟𝙤𝙧 𝙗𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙥𝙮 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙘𝙚𝙨𝙨….. As therapists, we strive to create a safe and welcoming space from the very first session. The way we greet a client, our body language, and the initial questions we ask 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐲 𝐚 𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐞 in building trust and rapport. 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐅𝐞𝐞𝐥 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭: 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬:Start with an empathetic statement that acknowledges the client's emotional state. (Ex: "Rohit, I sense you might be hesitant to open up. Perhaps we can start by talking about what brings you here today?") 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧-𝐄𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐐𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬:Encourage conversation with open-ended questions that invite the client to share their story at their own pace. (Ex: "Anjali, we have 50 minutes to talk together today. What's on your mind, where would you like to begin?") 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐋𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠:Give your client your full attention. Nodding, maintaining eye contact (when appropriate), and offering verbal cues of understanding demonstrate that you are present and engaged. 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐁𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬:Acknowledge a client's initial reluctance or apprehension. (Ex: "Hayley, it seems like you might be feeling a bit hesitant. It's okay to take things at your own pace. Would you feel comfortable starting by sharing a bit about yourself?”) 𝐀𝐜𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐥𝐞𝐝𝐠𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞:Validate a client's reluctance (e.g., "I get the impression that this is the last place you want to be right now... Would it help if I provided some information about how counselling works?”) When clients feel truly listened to, it empowers them to open up and explore their challenges. This, in turn, allows us to tailor our approach and guide them towards meaningful progress. The impact extends beyond the therapy room - empowered clients to navigate their lives with greater confidence and resilience, fostering healthier relationships and a more fulfilling future. P:S 𝑫𝒐 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒌 𝒇𝒆𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒅 𝒊𝒔 𝒊𝒎𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒃𝒖𝒊𝒍𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒔𝒕? #mentalhealth #therapy #rapportbuilding #communication #clientcenteredtherapy #therapeuticjourney

How to Prepare for Your First Therapy session Congratulations on taking the first step towards healing and growth! Preparing for your initial therapy session can help you feel more comfortable and get the most out of your experience. Here are some tips to help you prepare: 1. Identify Your Goals - What brings you to therapy at this time? - What are your hopes and expectations for therapy? - What specific issues or challenges do you want to address? Writing down your goals can help you clarify what you want to achieve in therapy. 2. Gather Information - Write down your thoughts, feelings, and experiences related to the issues you want to address. - Consider keeping a journal or log to track your emotions and patterns. - Be prepared to share this information with your therapist. 3. Understand Confidentiality - Know that everything discussed in therapy is confidential and protected by law. - Understand the limits of confidentiality (e.g., if you're a danger to yourself or others). 4. Ask Questions - Prepare a list of questions to ask your therapist, such as: - What approach or methods will you use? - How will we work together? - How often will we meet? - How will we measure progress? Note: Read the previous post on questions you should ask. 5. Be Honest and Open - Be prepared to share openly and honestly about your experiences. - Remember that your therapist is there to support and help you. 6. Set Boundaries - Discuss what you're comfortable sharing and what you're not. - Establish boundaries and expectations for the therapy relationship. 7. Plan Logistics - Know the location, time, and duration of the session. - Plan to arrive 10-15 minutes early to complete any necessary paperwork. 8. Take Care of Yourself - Get a good night's sleep before the session. - Eat well and stay hydrated. - Engage in self-care activities to help you relax and feel grounded.( A walk would do) By following these tips, you can feel more prepared and empowered as you start your therapy journey. Remember, therapy is a collaborative process, and your active participation is key to getting the most out of it. #therapy #mentalhealth #selfcare #mentalhealthmatters #SpreadCompassion #healingjourney #trauma

Therapists also need closure. Much of the therapist's work revolves around building and nurturing client relationships. When a client drops out the space creates a vacuum for us equally. These are some reasons we figured clients could drop out (they are in no particular order): 1. Financial crisis: Therapy requires time and investment and sometimes it can become difficult for the clients to fund their therapy constantly 2. Uncovering deep-rooted obstacles: Sometimes due to certain deeper aspects of the therapeutic relationship, the client might feel resistance and demotivation, and hence drop out 3. Not finding any value in therapy 4. Mismatch of therapist or therapy model 5. Mismatch of goals and expectations It can be a hard-hitting space for therapists especially when a connection and rapport have been formed. Some thoughts or impacts that the therapists have voiced: “Did I do something wrong”, “I am finding it hard to let go”, “I hope they are okay?” Just like any other relationship, therapists are invested in this journey. We go through our bouts of doubt, sadness, overthinking, and anxiety, esp. if the dropout is sudden. As hard as the situation is, our profession demands us to move on and regulate our emotions; despite the vacuum created: 1. Understand that it's not personal, the decision might be externally influenced 2. Not everyone is therapy-ready and you can only help people to a point where they are willing to let you 3. Clients are always the drivers of the therapeutic journey, and hence we will have to respect their decisions It's a difficult space to navigate but remember that, you tried your best and if they do come back, you’ll put in equal amounts of effort to re-create that safe space. #Therapy #ClientRelationship #TherapeuticJourney