“Does my psychotherapist think I am stupid? Is she judging me? I didn’t do what we discussed, will she shame me or be mad at me? Does she care? Why is she asking me this now? Does she like me? What if I screw up again?”
These are some of the questions I have been asked over the years. Today, I am sharing with you what I am thinking about as I prepare for an appointment, during, and after an appointment.
Inside the Mind of Psychotherapist
I typically review the last case note(s) in the file before an appointment. This review leads to typical thoughts and questions:
- How will Mr. Smith (not a client’s name) feel today? What does he think about issue X?
- From the notes, I wanted to ask about issue X. Are there any other related questions that I might need also to ask?
- Operational things like: Is my iPad powered? (I write my notes on an iPad in a Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA) compliant software program.)
- Is the client’s file open and ready to go? Are there tissues? Is it warm or cool enough in the office? Does my client typically need a glass of water? Is there anything I need to do for myself before the client gets here so I can focus and listen (ground myself, add or remove a sweater, etc.)?
My thoughts may include but are not limited to:
- Mr. Smith is upset today about issue X. Do I need to do anything besides acknowledge the upset either verbally or physically, or both?
- Mr. Smith doesn’t seem connected to the issue or showing any upset; what should I do or say?
- Is this the right moment to add new information or a different perspective about issue X? How might Mr. Smith react to my comments? Do I need to comment? Would silence be more beneficial? How can I show Mr. X that I understand? Should I share a resource or discuss what my client can do between sessions? What is important? How can I be most helpful?
After having been a therapist for so many years, much of this thinking is done on an almost subconscious level.
Beyond mental health, psychotherapy highlights the complex connection between mind and body and can also play a role in your physical well-being. Some physical benefits associated with psychotherapy include pain management, better sleep, reduced stress, enhanced immune function, and better cardio health. Ready to learn more about what psychotherapy can do for you?
I might think about whether there is anything I need to do right now for Mr. X? Are there any commitments I made to Mr. X? (i.e. send link to resources). Are my notes complete and signed?
Please know I do care, and I am never judging and will never shame you.
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If you are interested in therapy, but are unsure if we are a good fit, please reach out to book a free 15- minute consultation. I will schedule time for us to chat. Your therapy is important to me and if a brief conversation will reduce your anxiety, then let’s do it.
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Listening. Guiding. Caring.