Understanding the Role of the Therapist in a Counselling Relationship
Understanding the Role of the Therapist in a Counselling Relationship
Since I spent time putting together an article explaining the client's role in a counselling relationship, it's equally as essential to provide some information on the therapist's role.
In any counselling relationship, the roles of both the client and the therapist are crucial for the success of the therapeutic process, and sometimes, there are some misconceptions about what both roles are supposed to look like.
To provide my clients with as much information as possible before booking their first session, I have compiled a few points that are important to consider if you are thinking about seeking therapy. Specifically, if you are considering seeking therapy in Okotoks, or virtual counselling with me as your therapist.
Creating a Safe and Supportive Environment
When I created the Hope and Healing Sanctuary, one of my priorities was to create a comfortable and calm space that could be a sanctuary for those who needed refuge from the otherwise noisy outside world, often filled with comparison, judgment, and fear. I wanted a space where people could show up as themselves and be met with compassion, empathy, and respect. I have been the client on several occasions, and I know how important the small details are, including the overall look and feel of the space, down to the type of coffee mugs and flavors of tea. These things help people ease into the discomfort of uncertainty and begin the therapy process.
One of the primary roles of a therapist is to create a safe, nonjudgmental, and supportive environment. When the Hope & Healing Sanctuary's home first became available, I knew it was the place for my practice to live. The entire building feels serene, Zen-like, and safe. Check it out here if you want to learn more.
In addition to the look and feel of the environment, it is also crucial for a therapist to be empathetic, attentive, and respectful at all times. My role as your therapist is to ensure that you feel understood, which is the foundation for building trust. People genuinely begin to heal when they feel they are being heard.
Active Listening
Which brings me to my next point. Active listening is more than just words; it's about understanding the underlying emotions and thoughts being expressed. Therapists use active listening to validate their clients' experiences and feelings. This is a skill that needs to be improved in most relationships. For the therapeutic relationship to be strong, a therapist must hone this skill and recognize when it's being compromised due to personal issues, burnout, or any other thing that may get in the way of showing up for clients and being present.
Guiding Without Directing
I am a bit more directive than some therapists, as I am a natural problem solver and genuinely want to help. However, I have learned that it is much more effective to actively listen, hear, and help guide people into finding their innate ability to overcome challenges and heal. During the darkest times of my personal life, no one was able to recover for me, but I had several people in my corner who helped guide me down the right path so I could heal myself.
When I see a solution to another person's problem, it would be easy for me to tell them what to do; however, that would create a very dependent relationship between the client and me. As I mentioned before, my goal is to work my way out of a job, and I want my clients to build the skills and resilience to cope with whatever life throws at them. It doesn't mean things will be easy; it just means the chances of getting stuck will be reduced.
A therapist's role is to guide clients through their journey of self-discovery and healing, not to direct them or impose solutions. Therapists are catalysts for growth and change, but they are not meant to be the ones driving the bus.
I use various therapeutic techniques and interventions that facilitate introspection, self-awareness, and resilience. This, for me, involves a great deal of Socratic questioning, which encourages clients to explore their thoughts and feelings and helps them identify patterns and insights that can lead to positive change. The therapist supports clients in finding their solutions rather than prescribing them. For more information on some of my therapeutic approaches, you can check out my services page here.
Being Culturally Competent
I would be lying if I said I understood everything there is to know about everyone's experiences and how things like race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, religion, and socio-economic status impact them. I prioritize learning as much as possible, but I also take pride in providing a space to allow clients to be open about how these factors influence their current circumstances. Being culturally competent and sensitive to unique backgrounds and experiences is crucial to building a therapeutic relationship. I might not know all of the intricacies of someone’s life, but I am always open to learning and understanding. A culturally competent therapist recognizes these factors' impact on mental health and tailors their approach accordingly.
Continuing Education and Self-reflection
As a therapist, I am bound by a set of ethics that I must follow to keep my certification. I am responsible for committing to lifelong learning and self-improvement, and I do not take this responsibility lightly. This includes staying updated on the latest research and developments in the field, attending workshops and training sessions, and engaging in regular supervision and self-reflection. By continuously honing my skills and expanding my knowledge, I can ensure I provide the best possible care to my clients.
I have always been a lifelong learner, so the fact that part of my job is to learn new things regularly is a blessing. I will never pretend to know everything about every presenting concern that my clients bring to the therapy space. I am an expert in some things but not all things. I want my clients to feel safe and to know that if ever I think their presenting concern is out of my scope, I will either take the time needed to learn what I need to learn to be effective, seek consultation for support, or provide a referral to someone who is better suited.
Supporting Self-Efficacy
Again, I always tell my clients that my goal is to work myself out of a job. I begin my counseling with every client with the hope that we will someday be able to part ways and that my clients will become self-reliant and confident in their abilities to manage their lives and challenges. I always help clients recognize their strengths, develop new skills, and gain confidence in their decision-making abilities. Everyone's therapeutic journey is unique, but the impact can be invaluable.
The role of the therapist in a counselling relationship is multifaceted and dynamic. It requires a delicate balance of empathy, professionalism, and expertise. Therapists can profoundly impact their client's lives by creating a safe and supportive environment, actively listening, guiding without directing, being culturally competent, facilitating growth and change, committing to continuing education, and supporting self-efficacy.
Being a therapist is a role I take pride in, and I am intimately aware of how courageous it is for someone to reach out for support. I will never take a one size fits all approach to client care and I take my role as a therapist seriously.
