Alma’s Post

My Approach to Therapy "As a therapist, my motto is to always see the best in my clients, even when they can't see it in themselves." Ever wonder how I approach therapy and what makes us successful? It's all about believing in the potential for hope and change. For me, therapy is a two-way street. If I can't see the hope in helping someone, I won't take them on. It's crucial, but so is feeling heard and seen. I've heard too many stories of folks feeling overlooked in therapy, and that's just not how I roll. I'm here to challenge you, sure, but also to comfort, support, and encourage you. The world of counseling is evolving, and clients deserve real, genuine interactions. Most therapists are fantastic, but the key is believing in your client's ability to improve, provided they're willing to put in the effort. I don't work harder than my clients do. So, if you're looking for someone who sees the best in you and is ready to walk alongside you in your journey, why not stop by and set up a session? Let's be real and honest with each other, with the hope of making real progress together. Visit us at www.dlrcounselinggroup.com

A lot of the therapists I speak to, choose the profession due to some personal experiences, good and bad. If we have the privilege to choose our career, we pick out something that feels significant to US. We might know our reasons, sometimes we don’t. But I always feel like it’s worth it to know what gravitates you towards this work. Therapy, therapeutic relationships are so intimate that a part of our selves is always present in the work. Which is why so many of us, including me when I was young(er), choose to think of this work as a “helping” profession. We proudly speak about how much we want to “help” people. Some questions I implore us to think about: 1. Who are we helping, and what does it mean? 2. Can we recognise the roles it puts us in, is it our omnipotent fantasy that we are pretending to be helpers with? Without knowing our roles as therapists, we sometimes run the risk of (over)identifying with some patients and completely distanced from some. The work of therapy is of co creation and not just prescribed techniques. Are you interested in being the driver or a co-passenger?

How do you know your therapist is healthy 1-      They focus on you. While self-disclosure can be part of the therapeutic process. It must be done with skilled intent. If the therapist shares something about them personally with you, it should have therapeutic value to you. In friendships the discussions are back and forth. If you share with your friend what you did over the weekend, it is socially appropriate for them to share what they did over the weekend. In a therapeutic relationship it works much differently. When you share how your weekend went, the therapist should reflect about how that has therapeutic value for you. If your therapist talks about themself and their accomplishments, this indicates they may not be coming from a client centered approach. 

Progress in Therapy Takes Time..... As a therapist, I have come to appreciate the level of patience and skills required to support clients on their journey. Recently, after a few months of weekly sessions, a client shared a touching realization with me: "If I keep giving life the opportunity, it will never become what I want. But now, I feel proud in a new way. I'm ready to learn and see myself as a kind, caring, and compassionate person. I strive to be good and considerate, without causing harm. I am ready to learn and learned that people can no longer take undue advantage of me." She has made remarkable progress in differentiating between what she wants and does not want in interpersonal relationships. She understands and practices healthy boundaries, and the activities we've worked on between sessions have helped her reflect and apply these insights in her daily life. Hearing this was a truly blissful moment for me :) It’s these moments of genuine progress and self-awareness that make this work so fulfilling. Have you experienced similar moments in your practice? I would love to hear your stories and thoughts in the comments below :) Let's support and inspire each other on this meaningful journey. #Therapy #MentalHealth #Progress #Compassion #Patience #TherapistLife #HealingJourney #TherapistCommunity

Do you feel like you don't have enough support from friends or family, or do you prefer to speak with someone unbiased and professionally trained? I'm here for you! Use the link below to schedule a FREE consultation. ➡️https://lnkd.in/e3TACeNr We will discuss your main concerns, your goals for treatment, and the services that I can offer to help you achieve the desired outcomes. #ShadesofResilienceCounseling #DopeBlackTherapist #MindfulAF #BIPOCWellness #MentalHealthMatters

When it's time to get help, here's how to choose a therapist https://lnkd.in/eZRPyP63

Do therapists think about their clients between sessions? We are all human and different; everyone has a specific trait that belongs to us. Therapists are human (it's no surprise here), so each therapist works differently. Personally YES, I (sometimes)think about my clients outside the sessions, not in an obsessive way, but I simply allow each one to matter to me. This profession (vocation), in addition to going to university, courses, specialisations,our own therapy and supervision, also requires a lot of INTROSPECTION. During the weeks when I see maybe over a certain number of clients, it is impossible to think of everyone in the same way, but my mind always runs away (and I leave it) to my clients when I read an article, a book or even when I'm watching a movie. I believe everyone lives as well as possible outside the sessions, and I do the same….I live. A lot of courage surrounds the initiative to start therapy; we want to make changes for the better and are willing to take control of our lives. Yalom said, "How can you not think of these brave people? For them, it is the courage to open up in the therapeutic relationship; for me, it is the courage to let everyone matter to me." What about you? If you are a client, is it comfortable to know what the therapist thinks of you sometimes, or if you are a therapist, are you allowing yourself to think of your clients?

Have you tried online therapy yet?  Curious what it is all about?  Read our new blog that explores online therapy in depth: Online Therapy: Counseling that can be accessed anywhere! https://lnkd.in/gsdKX8VS

💡 Tip for Therapy Intensives: Share information about session location, breaks, and other logistics.    Sharing logistical information for therapy intensives helps clients feel more comfortable and prepared. When clients know where they need to be, what the schedule looks like, and when they can expect breaks, it reduces anxiety and allows them to focus on their therapeutic work.    Plus, clear communication about logistics shows that you care about their overall experience and well-being, creating a supportive and organized environment where they can thrive.    #therapyintensives #intensivetherapy #smarternotharder #winwin #therapistsuccess #traumatherapist #therapistsofinstagram #counselorsofinstagram #onlinetherapist #onlinetherapy #moderntherapist #therapist #therapistcoaching #therapistcommunity #traumainformedcare

Do you have a gut feeling that therapy could be helpful for you, trust that instinct and give it a try. It's important to listen to your own needs and feelings when making this decision. I’m here for you! Use the link below to schedule a FREE consultation. ➡️https://lnkd.in/e3TACeNr We will discuss your main concerns, your goals for treatment, and the services that I can offer to help you achieve the desired outcomes. #ShadesofResilienceCounseling #DopeBlackTherapist #MindfulAF #BIPOCWellness #MentalHealthMatters