Joy Chinasa Okeibunor’s Post

As a therapy client, do you ever worry on your way to a session that you have “nothing” to talk about? Oooo these can be some of the BEST sessions! Even if you don’t know what to talk about in session, a good therapist will guide organic conversation that often leads to uncovering topics or emotions that clients may not have initially been aware of. This can help identify underlying issues or patterns that need to be addressed, without other curation. A good therapist will have a sense of how to prompt the client or pull in threads that have come up previously. Following this natural conversation can foster trust and collaboration in the therapeutic relationship. So don’t worry if you don’t have an agenda or aren’t sure what to bring up. There’s magic in trusting the process, even then. ❤️ I always leave room for this as a speaker, too. Of course I outline and plan talking points, but my favorite part is the organic convo that happens when attendees are invited to interact. I try to keep the room vibe casual, so that people can ask unfiltered questions or share insights that we then riff off of. That’s what allows those in the room to truly feel understood and to relate. #therapy #therapist #mentalhealth #keynotespeaker

Why are weekly therapy sessions 50 minutes? Why not more, why not less? I often get that question from clients. Here’s what I tell them:   Having a set time allows for the client to think about how they want to use that time. Do they want to talk about 10 things or focus on just one or two? Covering 10 things in 50 minutes might feel unproductive, while honing in on a few key issues would mean having to drop the rest and only getting to talk about them in the next session.   Call it a decision-making warm-up: Making choices even before tackling the bigger life decisions that brought them to this session.   The thing is, we won’t know if those choices (to talk or not talk about a topic) were a good one until the client reflects on their experience of the session.   Like other life decisions, we can’t tell if they were right or wrong until we look back on them. We can also decide not to decide, and not making a decision is still a decision. Only by embracing this freedom of choice, confronting our anxieties by making a decision, and taking responsibility for our decisions, can we engage with our choices more consciously and be more authentic with ourselves.   As such, the 50-minute therapy time boundary isn’t just about watching the clock. It makes the therapy space a safe space for clients to practice making decisions, regardless of whether they are the right or wrong ones.   To borrow from Sonke Ahrens in How to Take Smart Notes: “Here, gut feeling is not a mysterious force, but an incorporated history of experience.”   In simpler terms, with all the decisions made and owned up to in that therapy space, clients can gain experience through therapy on how to rely on their intuition (or that gut feeling) to navigate different situations.   #ExistentialTherapy #ExistentialPsychologyAsia Encompassing Therapy and Counselling Pte. Ltd.

Seeking therapy is a step towards healing and self-discovery, a journey that should be paved with understanding, care, and respect. It's essential to remember: going to therapy should not be traumatizing. Instead, it should be an experience that fosters safety, comfort, and trust. A therapeutic environment needs to be a safe space where emotions, thoughts, and experiences can be shared without fear of judgment or re-traumatization. The role of a therapist is not just to listen, but to provide guidance and support in a way that is empathetic, respectful, and empowering. If you find that therapy sessions leave you feeling more traumatized, it's important to address this with your therapist. A good therapist will welcome your feedback and work with you to adjust their approach. Remember, therapy is a collaborative process, and you have the right to a treatment that feels supportive and beneficial to you. 🔗 To find the right therapist and ensure a positive therapy experience, click the link in our bio. 💬 If you've had to navigate challenges in therapy or have tips on creating a positive therapeutic experience, feel free to share in the comments. Y Hashtags: #PositiveTherapy #HealingJourney #TherapyShouldHelp #SafeSpace #MentalHealthCare #SupportiveCounseling #EmpatheticTherapy #EmotionalWellbeing #FindingTheRightTherapist #TherapyExperience #MentalHealthAwareness #TherapeuticSupport #HealthyMindset #SelfCare #NonTraumatizingTherapy #EmpowermentInHealing #CollaborativeHealing #MentalHealthMatters #SupportiveEnvironment #HealingNotHarming

Seeking therapy is a step towards healing and self-discovery, a journey that should be paved with understanding, care, and respect. It's essential to remember: going to therapy should not be traumatizing. Instead, it should be an experience that fosters safety, comfort, and trust. A therapeutic environment needs to be a safe space where emotions, thoughts, and experiences can be shared without fear of judgment or re-traumatization. The role of a therapist is not just to listen, but to provide guidance and support in a way that is empathetic, respectful, and empowering. If you find that therapy sessions leave you feeling more traumatized, it's important to address this with your therapist. A good therapist will welcome your feedback and work with you to adjust their approach. Remember, therapy is a collaborative process, and you have the right to a treatment that feels supportive and beneficial to you. 🔗 To find the right therapist and ensure a positive therapy experience, click the link in our bio. 💬 If you've had to navigate challenges in therapy or have tips on creating a positive therapeutic experience, feel free to share in the comments. Y Hashtags: #PositiveTherapy #HealingJourney #TherapyShouldHelp #SafeSpace #MentalHealthCare #SupportiveCounseling #EmpatheticTherapy #EmotionalWellbeing #FindingTheRightTherapist #TherapyExperience #MentalHealthAwareness #TherapeuticSupport #HealthyMindset #SelfCare #NonTraumatizingTherapy #EmpowermentInHealing #CollaborativeHealing #MentalHealthMatters #SupportiveEnvironment #HealingNotHarming

🔍 Finding the Right Therapy: Your Personal Checklist 🔍 🤔 Consider Your Preferred Approach: Therapy isn't one-size-fits-all. Think about the type of approach that aligns with your values and goals. Whether it's cognitive-behavioural therapy, mindfulness-based therapy, or something else entirely, trust your instincts. ❓ Don't Hesitate to Ask Questions: Your therapy experience should feel collaborative. Don't be afraid to ask your therapist questions about their approach, qualifications, and what to expect from the process. Clear communication sets the foundation for a successful therapeutic relationship. 🤗 Feel Safe and Listened to: Feeling seen and heard is essential in therapy. You should feel comfortable opening up about your thoughts and emotions without fear of judgement. Look for a therapist who creates a safe and supportive environment where you can express yourself freely. 💭 Follow Your Feelings at the First Meeting: Your initial session is an opportunity to gauge whether the therapist is the right fit for you. Pay attention to how you feel during this meeting. Do you feel understood and respected? Trust your intuition - it's a powerful guide. Choosing the right therapist is a deeply personal decision, and it's okay to take your time to find the perfect match. Remember, therapy is a journey of self-discovery and growth, and having the right support makes all the difference. If you're ready to take the first step towards healing and transformation, I'm here to accompany you on that journey. Let's work together to create a therapeutic experience that meets your unique needs and empowers you to thrive. 📞 Reach out today to schedule a consultation and start your path towards greater well-being and fulfillment. #Therapy #MentalHealth #TraumaInformedCare #Wellness #SelfCare #Empowerment #Healing #MindBodyConnection #SelfDiscovery

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

I can understand!!! Can this sentence trigger your clients? Let's understand Navigating Empathy in therapy sessions. As therapists, our primary goal is to support and empower our clients through their healing journeys. Yet, in our efforts to express empathy and understanding, we must tread carefully to avoid inadvertently causing harm. Recently, I had a profound realization during one of my Self- Parts work sessions where I was trying to hold space for a part of me in pain. In my efforts to offer empathy and compassion by saying" i understand what you're feeling", it led to triggering a wave of frustration and anger within it, resulting in lashing out and saying "No! you can never understand what I am feeling. No one can ever understand the amount of pain I am feeling". This experience made me realise how we can unintentionally end up doing this with our clients and gave me this insight that while our intentions may be pure but not recognizing that each individual's emotions and experiences are deeply personal and subjective and the intensity of their feelings can vary differently too, can sometimes lead to feelings of invalidation or minimization of clients' experiences. . I feel creating a safe and supportive therapeutic space requires more than just offering empathy; it also involves a profound understanding of the intricacies of human emotions. It's a delicate balance, being attuned to each client's unique needs and responses is crucial in fostering a trusting theurepetic relationship. Do you think by listening deeply, without assuming easy understanding, and holding space for the profound complexity of our clients' experiences can lead to corrective experiences in sessions? #healingjourney #therapy

How to know if a therapist is the right fit for you? Here are 10 signs that indicate you're in good hands: 1. I feel heard and understood during sessions. 2. I trust my therapist and feel safe sharing my thoughts. 3. I feel that my therapist shows empathy and understands my emotions. 4. I understand what my therapist explains to me and don’t hesitate to ask questions. 5. We have clear goals, and I know what I want to achieve in therapy. 6. I see progress in myself and in how I handle my problems. 7. My therapist respects my boundaries and never pressures me. 8. I feel that the therapeutic approach adapts to my needs. 9. I am confident that everything I share remains confidential. 10. I feel in sync with my therapist, and that makes me feel good. 💡 Remember: Your relationship with your therapist is key to your emotional well-being. If you feel this way, you're on the right path! If not, it’s okay to explore other options until you find the right person to accompany you on your journey. #MentalHealth #Therapy #EmotionalWellbeing

💕Embracing Acceptance: A Pillar of the Therapeutic Journey In the ever-evolving landscape of therapy, one foundational principle remains steadfast: acceptance. As therapists, we bear witness to our clients' struggles, triumphs, and everything in between. Central to this journey is the profound act of acceptance—a cornerstone upon which healing and growth can truly thrive. Acceptance in therapy isn't about resigning to circumstances or passively enduring challenges. It's about embracing reality as it is, acknowledging the full spectrum of our clients' experiences without judgment or resistance. In doing so, we create a safe and nurturing space where clients can explore their innermost thoughts, feelings, and vulnerabilities free from fear or shame. Moreover, acceptance is not just a destination; it's a dynamic process that unfolds organically over time. It requires patience, empathy, and a willingness to meet our clients where they are on their journey. Whether facing trauma, grief, or existential questions, our unwavering acceptance serves as a beacon of hope—a reminder that they are seen, heard, and valued exactly as they are. Incorporating the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model, we recognize the significance of cultivating acceptance within ourselves—the Self of the therapist. Through the radical acceptance proposed by IFS, we strive to embody compassion and curiosity towards all parts of our clients' inner worlds, including their inner critics. This transformative approach not only fosters deep healing and growth within our clients but also within ourselves as therapists. Clients often express a profound sense of relief when therapists actively work on building acceptance with them. Based on countless clients' experiences, this journey towards acceptance fosters a deep sense of validation and understanding, paving the way for transformative healing and growth. In essence, acceptance is not merely a therapeutic technique; it's a profound stance—a way of being—that permeates every aspect of the therapeutic relationship. It's through acceptance that transformational healing can occur, fostering resilience, empowerment, and ultimately, a deeper sense of self-awareness and fulfillment. Let us continue to embrace acceptance as an essential part of the therapeutic process, guiding our clients towards greater self-discovery and wholeness. #Acceptance #TherapeuticJourney #HealingInProgress #IFS #RadicalAcceptance

This might well be an unpopular opinion… If your therapy sessions become your escape you might have… “Session dependency” If your weekly (or monthly) session is the one thing you look forward where you feel: Quiet Calm Seen Heard Connected And you’ve been having weekly sessions for 2-5-7+ years… This could be session dependency Self improvement is primarily driven by parts of us that we cannot/won’t accept We read self help books as a way to solve the problems we perceive we have We look for that one thing that will take away our pain This will be the book…this will be the therapist…this will be the modality And whilst this might very well be the case initially, they should never be depended upon When working with a therapist/practitioner the aim should be to do the work, and then go and live your life Grow in capacity to be with yourself Grow in emotional capacity, emotional intelligence Why? Because there is no final resolution There is no “I’m done, I am completely healed” What there IS is acceptance Acceptance of who you are as a person Acceptance that you were born whole and complete, that you are not broken The inner work may continue but with large periods of LIFE in between Large periods of living with acceptance and dipping in and out of therapy as and when needed What are your thoughts on therapy? Longer term or use when needed? #mentalhealth #rootcause #therapy #wednesdaywisdom #womenshealth #menshealth