Counseling Fundamentals

Finding the right therapist is a crucial part of the therapy process-- and one that can be intimidating or daunting despite increasing ease of access to individual therapist profile matching services. The right therapist will allow you the space to give them feedback on how you are most comfortable... more

If you've found the "right" therapist for you, you probably feel comfortable being vulnerable with them. Ideally, you feel connected to them in a way that leads to you feeling understood. In order to get what you need out of your treatment, it's important to be open and honest with your therapist... more

You will know when you have the right therapist if you feel like it is a "fit" for you. Trust your intuition! It is often accurate. However, if you are used to unhealthy relationships, the therapeutic relationship may feel uncomfortable at times. One of the best ways to "train" your therapist is... more

A colleague and I were discussing the characteristics of successful therapists. I gave him some traits, some of which were listed by Robinson (2012). The therapist should be able to listen to your story, build rapport, establish a relationship, demonstrate empathy, adapt treatments to the... more

It's normal to experience many intense emotions in therapy. Sometimes those emotions lead to tears- so, long story short... yes! It's also quite common for emotions like frustration and even anger to be felt during the therapeutic process. Change and processing is hard. Allow the emotions to come... more

Participating in therapy can be incredibly vulnerable at times, and can evoke lots of emotions that may or may not lead to tears. It is okay to experience these emotions in and outside of the therapy space. Therapy should be a safe place for you to be yourself, be in the moment, and give freedom... more

Yes, if crying is how you are expressing an emotion, then not only would it be normal, but hopefully encouraged, because it's an important part of therapy to have a safe space to express your emotions. We might encourage you to put words to the tears as well, to help you expand on your experience... more

Hi there, Thank you for your question. It's absolutely ok to feel nervous going to therapy. I have experienced anxiety going to see my own therapist. There can be a few reasons why you might feel this way. First, it is always unnerving to see a person who is a stranger and to share intimate things... more

Each client brings their own style they like to a coaching or counseling relationship. When I counseled and coached military I learned to relate to what style of coaching they seek. Some were better at the Drill Sergeant style of coaching, or a liberal style, integrative, humanistic, progressive... more