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

Table of Contents

Introduction

Dear Therapists, we got you. Clients are the foundation of our therapeutic practice. The way we navigate through the concerns that our clients have, the tools that we provide them to overcome their concerns and struggles is crucial in therapy. But we often find ourselves thinking about whether we have those skills yet with us to help the clients, what therapy modality to use, how to build rapport and a lot more. Well, that’s why we are here with our part II of the therapists’ insights series. 

In this blog, in part II 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

How do you recommend handling situations where a therapist doesn’t know how to respond to a client?

“When I find myself unsure of how to respond to a client, I think it’s important to acknowledge that this is a natural part of the therapeutic process. Instead of pretending to have all the answers, I find it helpful to be honest and transparent. I might share with the client that I’m struggling to find the right words or that I don’t know exactly how to respond to the intensity of the situation they’re in. I’ve learned that this approach can actually strengthen the therapeutic relationship because it shows authenticity and humility. It allows me to be real with the client, without feeling the pressure to always have a solution. In those moments, I may also ask the client how they would like to proceed or what they might need from me. This opens up a space for them to express what feels most helpful, which can lead to further exploration and mutual understanding. Sometimes, simply acknowledging that I’m "out of words" or unsure how to respond can be a powerful way to validate the client's experience.”

“These situations can indeed be uncomfortable, but they are natural and also an opportunity for growth. If you’re unsure how to respond, it’s perfectly okay to acknowledge that. One approach is to ask the client for a moment to reflect on what they’ve shared, allowing you time to process and consider your response thoughtfully; for e.g. “I want to make sure I fully understand what you're saying, so may I take a moment to reflect on that?” This not only gives you the space to collect your thoughts but also models openness and honesty, which can strengthen the therapeutic relationship. A common mistake new therapists make is feeling pressured to say something to fill the silence, but it’s crucial to resist that urge. Avoid rushing into a response or changing the topic abruptly. Your intentional response will often be more valuable than trying to fill the gap with words.”

 

How can new therapists decide which therapeutic approach to use with clients?

As I mentioned earlier, your patient is your book; each one is unique, with their own story, needs, and ways of processing. Every client has different capacities, backgrounds, and responses to treatment, which means that no single therapeutic approach will work for everyone. It is essential to listen closely and get to know your client’s individual challenges, strengths, and goals by building rapport and on the basis of the same, you can decide on the approach that suits the client best. You can draw on a variety of approaches, adjusting and adapting as needed and don’t have to stick to one. Note: If you are aware that you might not have the required skill or knowledge about a certain approach that your client might benefit from, refer them to a therapist who has it as the end goal is client’s healing.

“Deciding which therapeutic approach to use with a client largely depends on the client’s unique personality, nature, and the specific issues they are facing. It’s important to consider factors such as how the client communicates, their comfort with vulnerability, and the pace at which they process emotions. For example, a client who is introspective and open to self-reflection may benefit from an approach like psychodynamic therapy, which explores unconscious processes. On the other hand, a client who prefers a more structured and solution-focused approach might respond better to cognitive behavioral therapy, which is goal-oriented and practical.”

“It’s important to recognize that the approach you choose initially may not always be the one that works best long-term. As a new therapist, it’s okay to start with a particular therapy or approach, but be open to adjusting and experimenting as needed. Over time, as you get to know the client better and as the therapeutic relationship evolves, you may find that a different approach is more effective. Periodically evaluating the progress and reassessing the approach is key. Don’t hesitate to experiment, especially early in your career, as this helps you refine your skills and find what truly works for each individual client. Assess their goals, values, and preferences – involve them in the decision-making process. Reflect on your own training, experience, and theoretical orientation. Consider the researched evidence supporting different approaches – choose one that's empirically validated. Be flexible, and willing to adjust your approach as needed. Remember that no single approach is right for every client – be open to integrating different theories and techniques.

 

How can new therapists balance emotional investment in clients with their own well-being?

“Balancing emotional investment with personal well-being starts with introspection and prioritizing self-care. Psychology isn’t just about helping others, it begins with taking care of yourself. Regular reflection, experimenting with different self-care practices, and engaging in your own healing are crucial. If needed, seeking therapy for yourself can provide valuable insights and help manage emotional challenges. Therapists need therapy too. If you find yourself being affected deeply/ being triggered, it is a sign to process those feelings. Apart from that, supervision and support from your peers is also important. Talking things through will help you gain perspective and prevent burnout. Additionally, practicing self-care outside of work, such as engaging in hobbies, exercise, or mindfulness, is key to maintaining a healthy emotional balance. Remember, if a person is struggling in the lake and if you drown or struggle with them, it’s not empathy.”

 

What ethical challenges did you face as a new therapist, and how did you address them?

As a new therapist, I was fortunate not to face any major ethical challenges early on. However, I did approach the work with a strong focus on ensuring I fully understood and followed ethical guidelines, particularly around confidentiality. From the beginning, I made it a priority to clearly explain the limits of confidentiality to clients and to ensure they felt comfortable asking questions about it. I also sought regular supervision and guidance to help me navigate any situations where I might be uncertain which helped me avoid potential ethical dilemmas and build a strong, transparent relationship with my clients. My focus on preparation and ethical standards allowed me to create a safe space where both my clients and I could feel confident in the therapeutic process. One ethical challenge I faced was navigating multiple relationships, especially in smaller communities where boundaries can blur. To address this, I set clear professional boundaries from the start and openly discussed any potential conflicts with clients. If issues arose, I sought guidance from a supervisor to ensure ethical standards were maintained. Regular self-reflection helped me manage these situations while prioritizing the client's well-being.”

“Be aware of ethical challenges, such as maintaining confidentiality and avoiding dual relationships. Stay up-to-date with ethical guidelines, and consult with colleagues or supervisors when faced with uncertainty. Prioritize transparency, and be honest with clients about your limitations and biases. Respect clients' autonomy, and involve them in the decision-making process. Document sessions thoroughly, and maintain accurate records.”

 

Looking back, what do you wish you had known when you started seeing clients?

I wish I had known the importance of gaining more hands-on practical experience early on. While theoretical knowledge is essential, real-world practice with clients helps you develop the skills and confidence needed in the therapeutic process. I also wish I had understood more fully that therapy is not just for clients it’s a process for both the therapist and the client. As therapists, we also grow and learn from the experiences and challenges we encounter in our work. Recognizing this earlier would have helped me embrace the process more fully and understand that it’s a mutual journey of growth.”

“As a new therapist, I struggled with the pauses in sessions and often found myself overthinking, trying to follow everything I had learned. I quickly realized that while academic knowledge is essential, it’s just as important to trust my intuition and allow space for those moments of silence. I learned that therapy is not just about having the "right answer” or following a specific structure but being present with the client and trusting the process. After my very first session, I understood that balance: integrating what I had learned with my own instincts, and allowing myself to be more comfortable with uncertainty.” 

Summary

This blog, part of the "Therapists’ Insights" series, provides practical advice and reflections for therapists navigating early career challenges. It discusses key topics such as handling uncertainty in client sessions, selecting appropriate therapeutic approaches, balancing emotional investment with personal well-being, and addressing ethical challenges. The blog emphasizes the importance of transparency, flexibility, and self-care while highlighting that therapy is a shared journey of growth for both the client and the therapist. Insights from experienced therapists encourage new professionals to embrace mistakes as learning opportunities, refine their skills over time, and prioritize ethical practices.

FAQ

What factors should therapists consider when deciding on a therapeutic approach? - Therapists should consider the client’s unique personality, challenges, goals, and comfort with vulnerability.  

How can new therapists balance emotional investment in clients with their well-being? - New therapists should prioritize self-care through reflection, engaging in personal hobbies, and practicing mindfulness. Seeking supervision, support from peers, and even therapy for themselves can help process emotional challenges.

How can therapists ensure their approach aligns with clients’ needs? - Therapists should involve clients in the decision-making process, assess their goals and preferences, and remain flexible. Integrating evidence-based methods with personal insights about the client’s personality ensures a tailored approach.

Conclusion

Therapy is a dynamic, evolving process that requires authenticity, adaptability, and a strong ethical foundation. New therapists are encouraged to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, trust their instincts while applying learned techniques, and prioritize self-care to maintain balance. By continually learning, seeking supervision, and involving clients in decision-making, therapists can cultivate meaningful therapeutic relationships and navigate the complexities of their practice with confidence.

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

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

0
    0
    Your Cart
    Your cart is emptyReturn to Shop

    Hi, please go through our courses and counselling services.

    Fill in the form below