How to Start a Therapy Session as a Therapist

This is so nice 😊am a psychologist to be

Thanks so much. This is very helpful for me.

Like , like , like totally

Sn: you look like Charlotte York (sex and the city) when you ran through the door 😊

Brilliant ! I am just starting my therapeutics counselling journey and can see so much basic respect and courtesy shining through

Could you please let go of this artificial funny stile and speak slowly?

For consistent structure, I always open visits with “so I want to follow up on our conversation last time and the ideas we discussed trying between visits, but what do you want to make sure we address?”

And for the polite remarks walking back, I typically ask “what have you been up to today” which usually occupies the time well enough, can be interesting/relevant and is different than the bland “how are you”

Good to see the preparation before the session. Thisbis the most important part for me, as I can then pick out about 3 traumatic eventsbor limiting beliefs that the client can choose from. This puts them in control of what to let go of in the session. Preparation aldo grounds me. When I see the client, I am empowered with a plan for the session. Then I can just concentrate on keeping a safe space for them.

Maybe I can show this video to my learners 👍

I have an idea, why don't we create a WhatsApp group so that we can get educated on what do, for beginners

This is so weird listening to because I have a good therapist that is late sometimes. I don't feel less important to her. I just know she has a full workload and is there when I need her. I don't mind. I think it's also important to take into consideration, the relationship. If it's a good fit, I'm assuming for others it is, then it depends on how you two interact with each other. As a first impression, yes. Be on time. and she was.

Thank you!

Helpful to review! Thank you so much, love your energy, simple straight to the point and positive attitude.

I like this video! I'm an RD so, I find her videos helpful. I especially appreciate each tip/snip-it was linked in the show notes. Yay!

These suggestions are very helpful, especially for a therapist like me who works with quite a few clients who are working to manage heightened anxiety, stress and ADHD.

The all-important "and this is now the session" line. My therapist always says "So, what's new? What's different?" I didn't even notice this right away...it's a stealth transition and it works perfectly. :)

Lol my therapist is always late and once I even had to wait 40 minutes but it's ok 😂👍

This is helpful, thank you ! I would like to know how do you do to pass assesments (or psychological tests) for your clients in online therapy?

Hello! What about the initial meeting? To hug or not to hug? Handshake? I’m transitioning from online to in person and haven’t done much in person work. Would love your thoughts!

And, note taking in-person—how do you do it? ❤

DON'T ask how are things in the lobby! I've thought of lying and saying like "Well I've stopped myself twice on my way here from driving into the overpass support beams on the interstate." Just to get a rise out of them but never did.

Although I stole another person's idea and would say "If you want the truth you need to wait 2 mins" as we walked back.

Now it's a simple "Ready?" In the lobby and "How are things?" in session. That is my kind of therapy. No BS.

Although they did start getting the room perfect for where I like to sit which is not needed but a really nice gesture.

Hello, Good tips! How do you prepare for a session in only a few minutes? Does it come with experience? Would love to know!

Abcd

Great content AND your approach shows what a courteous and professional therapist you are !

I love these tips! I sometimes comment on the weather to ease into the session

Helpful tips, thanks Marie! Great reminder to focus on clients' comfort and feeling of safety from the moment they walk in :)

Whew, I do all of the things you mentioned in this video. I agree, it creates routine and safety for my clients. However, my new office is in a building where I don't get to adjust the thermostat myself and will wait and see if I need to have the building mgr tweak something in the summer. Thanks for sharing!

An interesting watch as a grad student in practicum

I'm watching this as I'm waiting for my online therapy session! I'm in more of "maintenance" mode, but this stuff rings true. It's all about client- centered respect.

My advice. "Don't Be So Horny To Begin Asking About Goals For The Future." Depending on your client he/she may have gone through with goals before. To just put together goals for only the sake of having something to look forward to isn't healthy either. Patient may have tried making goals before but wasn't able to make them happen. Only for therapist to point out "You're Trying Too Hard You Have To Let It Happen Naturally." Sometimes you may need to rehash old attempts to figure out a new strategy. Perhaps a bit more.

Great information - as always! Thank you. Any tips for an initial consultation?

This was a great video! So helpful!

Great content and detail. And your info applies to consultation work in general, not just therapy!

Good topic. I, too, review my notes before the client comes in. Doing that is like gathering and integrating the client's, therapist-client, movement over time. With that info and conceptualisation in my mind, I go the waiting room, invite the client into my office, sit down, and say, "so...what have you been noticing"? Sometimes I say, "what's it been like to be you this past week?".

After they answer these open questions and I find out their orientation to self and world, and me, their affect, thinking, appearance, voice, I skillfully lead into the ongoing work, the goals let's say. Exception: urgent, emergent issues, including safety or med management, substances, legal actions.

This is great!
Have you done/could you do a video about ending session??

Great video with practical information. I can make so adjustments to my style. Thanks for what you do!

This is a great video. I didn’t even consider this a component 🤦🏽‍♀️ I DO IT but don’t realize it. This is great to share with student clinicians. Thanks 👏