Therapists Guide: For the Therapists, By the Therapists – Part I - psychology

Table of Contents

Introduction

Dear Therapists, we got you. If you are feeling unsure of how to navigate through the sessions, or feel stuck, or are even starting to see clients now, we have the answer to all your questions! As therapists, we often find ourselves in the journey and loop of learning and unlearning. We often see ourselves as professionals in the field who help people, but at the same time we see ourselves as students of psychology, trying to learn new ways of helping our clients achieve their goals. 

In this blog, in part I of the series, we look at some of the insights shared by therapists in our team! So let’s dive right in! 

Insights by Therapists

What advice do you have for new therapists who feel nervous about their first sessions?

“In my experience, most of us encounter this feeling, especially since we may not have had enough exposure to working with clients before starting independent sessions.

One piece of advice I’d offer is to approach each session with an open mind and a willingness to experiment. Every client is unique, and sometimes things won’t go exactly as planned. It’s okay to make mistakes along the way; in fact, those moments often provide valuable learning opportunities. Therapy is a dynamic process, and being adaptable is key to finding what works best for each individual.

I also recommend focusing initially on the therapeutic modality or approach you feel most familiar with. Having a solid foundation in one therapy method can provide you with a sense of security and clarity. However, it’s also crucial to continually expand your toolkit. I suggest learning at least 4-5 different therapeutic modalities over time. This variety will allow you to tailor your approach to the unique needs of each client and will make you feel more confident in your ability to handle diverse situations.”

“Do not limit yourself to what you’ve learnt from the books. Your patient/ client is your book. Oftentimes we get into our heads, especially when there’s nervousness around effective application of techniques. Remember, humans are complex beings and all of them can not be fixed in a box. Instead of solely focusing on the technicalities, stay in touch with your authentic empathetic self. Planning ahead of the sessions may ensure your sessions go smoothly, especially the structure: dividing the 60 minutes into chunks, leaving space to introduce and conclude. This will also give you a feeling of readiness.”


How can new therapists manage self-doubt or imposter syndrome when starting out?

Self-doubt and imposter syndrome are common experiences for new therapists. Recognize that these feelings are normal, and they don't define your worth as a therapist. Reframe negative thoughts by focusing on your strengths and accomplishments. Develop a growth mindset, and remind yourself that you're constantly learning and improving.”

“One key strategy is to trust your instincts and the other is exposure. The more exposure you get to working with clients, the more confident you’ll become. As you gain experience, you’ll begin to see that you are capable of making a positive impact. Still if self-doubt feels quite overwhelming, consider starting with observerships or internships. These opportunities allow you to practice in a supportive environment where you can gain valuable experience while receiving feedback.”

“Additionally, if self-doubt is a persistent issue, it can be helpful to seek therapy for yourself. Just as you guide clients through their struggles, having your own therapeutic support can help you work through personal doubts and develop greater self-assurance in your practice.”

“It's important to remember that as therapists, we are human too. Every skill has different levels of proficiency: beginner, intermediate, and advanced; and it’s unrealistic to expect to jump straight to mastery. Until the foundations are solid, true mastery isn’t possible. Being a beginner allows you to learn, explore, and make mistakes that you can grow from. Embrace this stage as a valuable part of the process. Confidence comes with practice and time, so be patient with yourself as you continue to develop your skills.”

 

What essential skills should a new therapist prioritize developing early in their career?

“Active listening is one of the most essential skills for a therapist. It involves fully focusing on the client, understanding both their words and the underlying emotions or thoughts, and responding in a way that demonstrates you’ve truly heard and understood them. Active listening goes beyond merely hearing the client's words; it involves deeply understanding and engaging with what is being said, both verbally and non-verbally. This requires full attention, empathy, and the ability to interpret underlying emotions and thoughts.”

“Developing a soft skill like this takes time, so it’s important to start practicing it from the very beginning. The more you practice active listening, the more natural it will become, and the better you’ll be able to support your clients in feeling seen and heard. In addition, effective communication is the key. As a therapist, it’s important to express yourself clearly and thoughtfully. Developing strong communication skills early in your career will help you ask insightful questions that encourage self-reflection and exploration. It will also allow you to explain concepts or metaphors in ways that resonate with your clients, facilitating deeper understanding and connection. The clearer you are in your language, the more accessible you make your insights and interventions, ultimately enhancing the therapeutic process.”

Summary

New therapists are encouraged to embrace the learning process, approach each session with openness, and rely on therapeutic approaches they are familiar with while expanding their toolkit over time. Imposter syndrome is addressed as a common experience that can be mitigated through exposure, self-reflection, and seeking therapy for oneself if necessary. Essential skills, such as active listening and effective communication, are highlighted as foundational for building trust and facilitating client growth.

FAQ

How can new therapists address self-doubt or imposter syndrome? - Taking sessions for the first time can surely be an overwhelming journey. However, there is a way to deal with it. Reframing your negative thoughts, seeking mentorship and supervision can help you navigate through this journey. 

What are the benefits of learning multiple therapeutic modalities? - Therapy is never one size fits all! Every individual requires a customized plan to work on themselves. Learning different modalities can help you help the client better and do what is best for them. 

How can therapists enhance their communication skills? - Therapists can improve communication by expressing themselves clearly, asking insightful questions, and using accessible language to explain concepts. 

Conclusion

Starting a career as a therapist can be challenging, but nervousness and self-doubt are natural parts of the journey. By remaining open-minded, embracing mistakes as learning opportunities, and practicing skills like active listening and clear communication, new therapists can gradually build confidence and competence. With patience, self-compassion, and continuous learning, therapists can develop the skills and resilience needed to create meaningful connections and help clients effectively.

Our qualified mental-health experts are here to help you navigate through your journey and provide you with mentorship and supervision. To know more, sign up on the link here: www.psyquench.com

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