If you read and had a go with my flowchart post you will have seen that there are a fair few different approaches to therapy, with slightly different ways of working with you as a client.
Some research suggests that more important that the approach used is the relationship that is built between a client and the therapist for a positive outcome i.e. you may initially choose a therapist for the way they work, but the relationship offers more to the outcomes of the session than how they work. This isn't to say the approach doesn't matter, but maybe it's not the most important factor when considering therapy.
CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) put together a brilliant drawing below showing the qualities that we may look for in a therapist that will allow us to grow and develop in a safe and supported way.
There is a question of if you were to have these skills in your therapist, would the approach used really make a difference to what you're looking at?
In this sense, it comes down to what it is you as a client are looking for from therapy, what are your expectations? what do you hope to achieve? would you like something that can be ongoing and open to exploring other situations or do you want to focus more on one thing you're currently having problems with?
It's good to remember that as a client you are able to choose your therapist - you are the one in the vulnerable situation who is going to be sitting in that chair - so you are the one who will know if your therapist is a good fit for you, someone you can trust, who shows they are listening and have an understanding of your situation.
This post isn't so much of an informative post, but more of a point for reflection of what you feel is most important to you when sharing this part of yourself with a professional and getting support through a difficult time.
What else do you look for in therapy or your therapist?
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