Alma’s Post

Studies show that the connection you build with your therapist is one of the biggest factors in making therapy work. So, how do you know if you’ve found the right fit? ✔ You feel heard and seen. ✔ You’re able to open up and be courageously vulnerable. ✔ You feel supported even when the conversations are tough. The relationship you have with your therapist is the foundation for healing. Don’t settle for anything less than feeling truly supported. If you're interested in starting therapy but don't know how to find a therapist, we have you covered. Check out our Guide to Finding the Right Therapist. It's free! https://lnkd.in/gGwqry5m

I had some strong reactions to New York Magazine’s theCut’s new series on “falling out of love with therapy.” So strong that I recorded before bed last night in my crooked glasses 🤓 Article I’m referencing here: https://lnkd.in/erGjHHti I often say to clients that we therapists aim to work ourselves out of a job as clients become equipped with skills, etc AND there are clients who will come for longer periods of time but we’re still clear on the value to them and the progress towards their goals. Just these past couple weeks even, I’ve had specific conversations with clients about their reliance on our process and have suggested they move to less frequent meetings. I’ve ended a session at 30 minutes because we were truly done - didn’t make them stay or pay for 50 minutes. I am consistently checking in with clients and allowing them freedom to play with the frequency of sessions, as appropriate. And my heart aches when I hear cringey things bad therapists have said to clients or when processes haven’t been clear. This is all literally why I wrote my book- particularly part 2 with all the FAQS. (Get it in the comments 😉) Have you read the article and what are your thoughts? #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #therapist

An Extra Mile to Be a Therapist This is something I’ve learned from someone I see as a mentor, and I've incorporated it into my practice as a therapist. I’ve truly seen the impact that this little extra effort has had on my clients. P.S. I’m not saying that every therapist must do this, because it’s reasonable to acknowledge that they don’t always have the bandwidth. While this approach is not entirely unique, it makes a significant difference when applied consistently. One way I personalize therapy for my clients is by remembering important days and events in their lives. I know that many of my clients hold my voice and statements dear, so to honor that bond, I try to reach out to them beyond therapy hours to affirm that they are capable. Some ways I do this include: 1. Sending them birthday wishes. 2. Sending a small text affirming their capacity before an important event. 3. Offering gentle reminders for tasks they need to complete. 4. Providing prompts for reflection relevant to their situation. 5. Sending a quick "all the best," "safe trip," or "you're the best" message before something uncertain yet exciting. 6. Briefly checking in on the status of their stressors. For example, if they have an ill parent or guardian, I might check in on their health and the client’s well-being. It gives them an extra push to know that someone genuinely cares, and it makes all the difference in the world to them. :)

areekaweb.com If you are trying to cope with persistent feelings of guilt, there are things that you can do that may make it easier to manage these difficult emotions. Talking with a therapist is one such option. A therapist could help you discover the root cause of the issue and discuss strategies that may help you manage the guilty feelings. To find a therapist who is right for you, visit https://lnkd.in/eAFa8NFG

This post is all about the gems that we take from therapy. Read now to see the stuff my therapist says… or is it the stuff that this therapist says? Letsbebreef.com/blog/smts

How to (maybe) break up with your therapist, instead of ghosting them: Clashing personalities "I've noticed that we're not really clicking personality-wise, and I think it's making our sessions less effective. So, I'm thinking it might be better for me to try somebody else." Different Method/Expectations "I've realized that my expectations for therapy have shifted, and I think it's time for me to seek a therapist who aligns more closely with what I'm currently looking for in terms of therapeutic goals and methods." Reaching goals "I think I've made some good progress and feel like I could take a break from therapy for now." Finances "I've had to reevaluate my priorities, and unfortunately, continuing therapy is not feasible for me at this time." A transparent conversation can lead to a smooth transition and ensure that your needs are met moving forward. *image generated using DeepAI (text prompt: Client ghosts their psychotherapist)

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

"What kind of therapist am I?" This is what ran through my mind. I sat across the room from them. I saw their eyes as tears started to well up as they told me their story, how their pain crippled them, and how they could no longer do the things they needed. I saw the fear and regret and guilt flash across their face. But I restrained myself, (like a good professional, right?) I allowed little emotion to take me. My voice even, never wavering. And I continued to guide them on to the next point of conversation. Brushing off their tears, because time was short. I didn’t even give them a tissue. And I stupidly and regrettably neglected what it means to be human. To connect and be PRESENT with another person at their most difficult time. How did it come to this? When a person who came to me in their most vulnerable state, bares all to me, and then I respond with lack? Is this not tragic? The healthcare system, the marketing and sales systems, the corporate systems, they all work well with getting people in. But they fail at helping you slow down to be present with another human being. We have become calloused to the tears and pain and hearts of people in need. We see so many that need help that we have forgotten to actually see them, to actually hear them and their cry for help. This must change. And it starts with learning to be present with someone in the moment. When we finally have the time set, how can we connect with others more? How do we be comfortable with that space? Allowing ourselves to cry, to stop and just tell the other, if nothing else, “I’m sorry.” What can we do to get there?

New blog post about our unique approach to therapy live now! Dive more deeply into our ethos and read about how we provide special, one of a kind care to our clients. https://lnkd.in/esp7ncm2

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