February 2023

Are there things you shouldn’t tell your therapist? Other things to avoid during a therapy session include: asking about other confidential conversations with other clients; showcasing violent emotions; or implying any romantic or sexual interest in your therapist. The number one job of a therapist is to keep you safe and protect their clients’ privacy. […]

Should I tell my therapist I’m quitting? Don’t wait for the end of the session to do this Use your full session time to discuss your decision to change therapists or quit therapy. “Don’t wait for the end of the hour to tell the therapist, bring it up right away and use the time to

Why can’t I look at my therapist? Back to Fictional Reader’s question about why it may be difficult to look a therapist in the eyes. Some possible root causes range from guilt, shame, anxiety, low self-esteem, shyness, past abuse, depression or autistic spectrum disorders to varying cultural norms and cognitive overload. Many times, this is

What is the success rate of therapy? About 75 percent of people who enter psychotherapy show some benefit from it. Psychotherapy has been shown to improve emotions and behaviors and to be linked with positive changes in the brain and body. The frequency of sessions helps balance cost, intensity, and emotional containment (Seeman, n.d.). Therapy

Is it normal to dread going to therapy? So yeah, it’s absolutely normal to find yourself upset during therapy, which might make you feel drained afterward and less than excited to come back to do it all over again. Still, while dread can be part of the therapeutic process, it shouldn’t be the entire process,

Why am I so scared to see a therapist? Here may be some reasons for your apprehension: You were in counseling in the past and had an unpleasant therapy experience. For example, perhaps you were forced to go to counseling as a child or teen by your parents. Or, maybe you went to therapy on

How do therapists get you to open up? A safe emotional environment can be achieved through a calm talking voice, a slower speaking pattern, and thoughtful language. Every therapist should be attentive to the fact that each client moves at their own pace. For some, this might be fast and for others, it might take

Why can’t I open up to a therapist? There are a few things that might contribute to this: you may not have developed the level of trust you need to feel safe with the therapist you are working with, you may be fearful of being judged by the therapist, or maybe you are afraid that

Which of the following is an example of countertransference? Examples of Countertransference Excessive disclosure of personal matters — If the therapist “hits it off” with a client, it can be easy for the therapist to view the client as a friend. This may result in the therapist opening up and sharing personal matters that aren’t

What is positive vs negative countertransference? Positive: The therapist is over-supportive, trying too hard to befriend their client, and disclosing too much. This can damage the therapeutic relationship. Negative: The therapist acts out against uncomfortable feelings in a negative way, including being overly critical and punishing or rejecting the client. Positive transference is when enjoyable