In each session, I enter not with the intention to teach or fix, but to understand and facilitate. This approach reflects a core belief in my practice: the power dynamic between client and therapist should be balanced, avoiding the risk of reducing clients to mere subjects. Psychotherapy, to me, is not a mere ‘God’s trick’ but a genuine journey into the heart of human experience.
Sessions are more than just time-bound interactions; they are a profound journey into the human psyche. As a budding therapist, I’ve learned to navigate this journey with humility and insight. Influenced by Fu Ssu-nien’s notion of dedicating time to reflection,
Fu Ssu-nien said “There are only 21 hours in a day because the remaining 3 hours is for reflection,”
I set aside time and space to think over my actions and decisions. This reflective practice, as Margaret Rioch suggested in 1976, is crucial in understanding not just our clients, but also ourselves.
“If therapists do not know that they are potentially murderers, crooks, and cowards, they cannot deal therapeutically with these potentialities in their clients.” (Margaret Rioch, 1976)
In therapy, we often encounter the dilemma of labeling. While labels in abnormal psychology can simplify categorization, they also risk dehumanizing individuals, especially those from minority groups. The pitfalls is of aspect of my practice constantly grouping people into categories is a challenge to look beyond labels and see the person behind the diagnosis.
Who We Are and What We Bring – From Therapists Around the World
My journey to becoming a therapist was not a straightforward one. My experience of being obese, gay, and gifted as a child has shaped my outlook. The struggles I faced due to my health and non -mainstream sexual orientation have taught me the importance of empathy and understanding, allowing me to connect with clients on a more personal level.
I am open with my clients about my identity and experiences when it’s therapeutically beneficial. This transparency helps build trust and rapport, essential in a therapeutic relationship. However, I also recognize the importance of maintaining professional boundaries and ensure that self-disclosure always serves the client’s best interests. My professional ethos is rooted in the philosophy of being with the client in their ‘phenomenal field.’ It involves shedding all presumptions and assumptions, thereby truly understanding their inner world. This stance helps me distinguish between subjective thoughts and objective facts, staying grounded in humility and openness. In doing so, I celebrate each person’s uniqueness, echoing the sentiment, “When you see people, you should celebrate.”
Navigating Personal and Cultural Dynamics in Therapy
My personal and cultural characteristics have both facilitated and complicated therapy sessions. Sharing similar experiences with clients can create a deeper sense of understanding and empathy. However, it also presents the challenge of maintaining objectivity and not projecting my experiences onto the client.
In therapy, my primary focus is on the client’s needs and experiences, rather than on my own. This client-centered approach ensures that therapy remains a safe and supportive space for exploration and growth. I advocate for real, client-centered psychotherapy, where understanding the client as a whole is paramount. This approach guides me in clarifying clients’ pursuits and struggles, forming a therapeutic map based on their unique contexts. It’s about believing in the clients’ stories and accompanying them on a journey that respects their past, engages with their present, and prepares them for the future.
How My Life Experiences Led Me to Violet’s Work
My path to Violet’s work was shaped by a deep-seated belief in the transformative power of therapy. My own experiences with counseling, both as a client and a therapist, have shown me the importance of a compassionate, client-centered approach. Violet’s work resonates with my belief in the therapeutic process’s potential to heal and empower.
I am constantly reminded that I am not above the storms my clients face; I am in the middle of them, ready to go wherever the therapeutic journey leads. This perspective keeps me grounded and reminds me of my own journey towards Violet’s work – a path marked by empathy, resilience, and an unwavering belief in the human spirit.
Emphasis on Reflection and Introspection
Reflecting on my childhood and early experiences has been instrumental in shaping my therapeutic approach. This introspection has led me to question not just my actions but also the broader implications of those actions on my clients’ well-being. It’s a constant balancing act between following theoretical frameworks and listening to what the client truly needs. Dilemmas in Therapy: Frameworks vs. Client Needs
I face a constant dilemma: should I adhere to theoretical frameworks or truly listen to clients? While frameworks provide structure, they should not overshadow the client’s voice. I remind myself, “You are the skills. You already are powerful and kind. Thisis not teachable.”This belief in the inherent strengths of my clients shapes my therapy approach, focusing on resilience and potential rather than just pathology.
Therapy Objectives and Assessments
In my practice, I am wary of making therapy excessively objective-oriented, as this can reduce the client to a mere tool for achieving predetermined goals. Therapy is not just about fixing symptoms; it’s about understanding the whole person and their journey. This understanding guides my assessments, ensuring they align with the client’s personal growth and direction.
Conclusion: Navigating the Therapy Journey
In conclusion, my journey as a therapist is an ongoing process of learning, reflection, and growth. Each session is an opportunity to not only help my clients but also to deepen my understanding of the human experience. Through this journey, I aim to remain open, empathetic, and committed to the well-being of those I serve.
