Relationships Matter
Relationships matter. The relationships we have with others impact every aspect of our lives. From the moment we are conceived we are affected by the relationships and connections our mothers have with those around her. As we grow, relationships continue to affect our development and how we navigate and face the challenges life presents. Some relationships may cause turmoil and wreak havoc in our lives, whereas others bring us joy and create safety for us to achieve our biggest life goals. Ultimately, our relationships and the interactions we have with others affect the way we relate to and experience the world around us.
When it comes to therapeutic relationships, it’s no different, the right relationship can make all the difference. We all know how telling our story to the wrong person can often make our pain feel worse. Before you open up, you need to feel safe. This is often the challenge for someone with something to reveal: who to tell, and how to tell it so that they don’t end up feeling more alone. You have to be discerning in who you choose to open up to and be vulnerable with. In order for that to happen, you need to be willing to connect and form a trusted bond and relationship with the person sitting across from you.
The ease in which we can establish boundaries, share honestly, be vulnerable and convey compassion create the foundation for safety in a relationship, whether it’s therapeutic or otherwise. A person seeking a counsellor must also trust that his or her counsellor has the knowledge, skill set and desire to provide appropriate care.
Change starts by having healthy conversations with whomever we trust, so we can at least begin to lighten our load. We can have all the conversations we want with ourselves, but it’s not the same, is it? We understand ourselves better when we hear ourselves talk out loud as it helps us to process our thoughts. Studies have shown that simply talking about our problems and sharing our negative emotions with someone we trust can be profoundly healing (Pennebaker, Kiecolt-Glaser, & Glaser, 1988).
I will often encourage my clients to interview several therapists to find someone who is going to be a good fit for them. As for working with me, I take a more casual and conversational approach in my sessions in order to create a warm and welcoming environment where you will feel comfortable sharing your story.
Our appointments together are confidential and collaborative. During our initial session, I will review consent and confidentiality and explain the therapeutic process to you. Based on the information gathered, I will work with you to create a plan that will meet your specific needs. I will use my knowledge and experience to help you understand your challenges. From there you can expect to learn coping strategies and gain new perspectives while working towards a deeper change.
Interested in seeing if we would be a good fit? Reach out and book a complimentary phone consult.
References:
Pennebaker, J. W., Kiecolt-Glaser, J.K., & Glaser, R. (1988). Disclosure of traumas and immune function: Health implications for psychotherapy. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 56, 239-245.