You and your therapist can exchange “friendly conversation” with each other, however, having a friendship-style relationship is not appropriate. Professional, ethical therapists are expected to keep strict client/therapist boundaries. Becoming or referring to each other as friends is considered a boundary violation.
Therapy often leads to profound changes, though these may not be immediately noticeable. While you may experience breakthroughs early on, most people notice subtle shifts in their thoughts and behaviors over time.
Sometimes it’s awkward to talk about smells. So, it may feel awkward to bring up a scent your therapist is using in their office. Or, it may feel uncomfortable to mention that your therapist’s choice of cologne is bothering you. But, if it’s interfering with your ability to focus on your therapy, you have to be brave and bring it up.
Your therapist should be open to your questions and concerns about where discussions might be leading. These discussions allow you to better understand your therapy and feel empowered in your own mental health journey.
You might feel nervous or excited waiting for your first session with a new therapist. But don’t let the anticipation get to you. There are several things you can do to prepare.
During the intake process, your therapist will likely inquire about your religious preferences. Depending on your spiritual preferences, your therapist might choose to incorporate these preferences into your treatment, when applicable.
Visiting a client’s home is an ethical boundary violation. The only possible exception may be if the courts or social services are involved – but that would be very rare and only done in an official capacity.
Mental health therapy has become destigmatized and is being talked about very openly these days. However, misunderstandings exist about what therapy does or doesn’t do and what therapy is or isn’t. There are still many myths or misconceptions surrounding therapy that might make you hesitate. So let’s discuss those now!
Therapy is a place to work out your inner and outer conflicts. A place to find out what you really want and who you really are. While in therapy, it’s safe and it’s expected to question the norms and beliefs everyone else pressures you to accept. You can slowly peel back the layers of everything that is and isn’t you.
Most people seek therapy when they feel a need for help in changing some aspect of their life. Therapy can help encourage and support your desire to change. Perhaps you have goals you want to achieve but are finding it hard to attain them. Or perhaps you’re working through unresolved issues you’ve never dealt with.
Informed Consent” is an umbrella term for all the documents you sign when you go to your first therapy appointment. Sometimes, you’ll fill out paperwork with the therapist’s office assistant before your first visit. These documents are basically a formal way of saying you know that your participation in therapy is voluntary.
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