The therapeutic relationship is unlike any other relationship. The unique structure and premise of the therapist and client relationship is different to our other real world connections. It is therefore often quite useful to have an idea of what you want to gain from having therapy from the outset. This will help ensure you are making the most of your therapy.
In therapy sessions the focus is on the client. We are both there for you. My job is to help you increase your understanding of yourself and your situation. I will support you to establish the resources you already have and to utilise them in a more effective way. I will also support you to develop new coping strategies. Psychotherapy sessions will quite often be challenging and engaging in therapy is not always easy but I offer a supportive, non-judgemental environment in which to work.
Initially it may be useful to have an idea about your expectations of therapy and of me, as your therapist. I will invite you to set objectives for sessions on a short term as well as a longer term basis. There may be times at which this is clearer to you than others. Together we can develop a clear and realistic sense of what you hope to gain from sessions and from the broad therapeutic process. You will get the most from therapy if you have an idea of how it works and what you can expect. An assessment session is an ideal opportunity to ask any questions about this.
Active Participation and Reflection
Transactional Analysis (TA) therapy involves active participation of both client and therapist. I will invite you to consider the meaning of what is going on for you and how thing impact on you. I will work with you to set goals and agendas for sessions. You will be encouraged to let me know what is working, as well as what isn’t working for you in sessions. There may also be weeks in which you are invited to focus in on a certain issue between sessions. Sessions are 50 mins each week which leaves a lot of other time during the week to reflect!
Above all, remember that your sessions need to work for you. This is your path of self-discovery and I will endeavour to optimise how I work with you every step of the way.
