What is it like to work with a therapist? Well, it really depends a lot on the therapist. We asked our associate therapists:
What is it like to work with you? How would you (or clients) say you are in the room?
Here is what seventeen different therapists responded, giving you a comprehensive picture of some of the things you might want to look for in a therapist.
Cynthia Martin answered:
Our relationship, yours and mine, is at the core of this work. It’s real and it’s raw. This isn’t about me giving advice from a pedestal; it’s about us figuring you out together. Expect to be active in this process. I’m with you every step of the way, armed with knowledge, empathy, and a steadfast belief in the possibility of change and growth. You’ll be invited to take more notice of your inner process and invite your entire being into the room. I’m highly adaptive, capable of vibing with a spectrum of personalities, whether you’re bursting with energy or in need of a more solemn, focused dialogue to tackle the task at hand. Expect to encounter a plethora of questions designed to provoke thought and insight in response to the material you bring in. Each session is tailored to meet the unique demands of the moment, ensuring that our time together is as relevant and impactful as possible. This is intimate work, it’s challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. You bring the courage, and I’ll bring my expertise and commitment.
Read Cynthia Martin’s complete interview here.
Elizabeth Dausch answered:
My style is gentle, warm, and collaborative. Humor is welcome!
Read Elizabeth Dausch’s complete interview here.
Kaye Reeves answered:
I strive to be warm, compassionate, relational, and focused on helping my clients achieve their goals, whether they are coming for the long term or prefer a briefer time horizon for our work. Humor sometimes makes a welcome appearance in session!
Read Kaye Reeves’ complete interview here.
Mark Resch answered:
In the room, my focus is on my clients and their unique needs and circumstances. I don’t have a method or technique-first approach, Instead I meet client where they are with what they bring and develop a unique therapy experience for them.
Read Mark Resch’s complete interview here.
Julie Peters answered:
I am very kind. I listen very deeply to the narratives of my clients, and I remain curious about the unique personality traits and strengths of every individual.
My clients usually say that due to my deep listening skills, I am able to offer valuable questions/insight previously unconsidered by them.
I’m also skilled at identifying patterns that cause folks to get a bit stuck, and I can offer ways to shift thoughts and behaviors.
Read Julie Peters’ complete interview here.
Caroline Lee answered:
relational, warm, very little about me but I do include some psychoeducation when helpful
Read Caroline Lee’s complete interview here.
Brooke Hein answered:
I strive to be a welcoming and warm presence for clients, actively engaging in the therapeutic process with curiosity, awareness, transparency, and perspective to support clients in coming to their own unique understanding about their life. I work with what’s in the room in the present moment, utilizing what the client is feeling or aware of while sitting with me. Clients have reported that it feels easy to connect, like speaking with a friend or a mentor.
Read Brooke Hein’s complete interview here.
Jordana del Feld answered:
My clients say that I am insightful, compassionate, and direct, and that our work helps them feel empowered. My first priority is to support clients where they are. When appropriate, I invite explorations of our many senses, our imagination, and our subconscious, as opportunities to learn and grow.
Read Jordana del Feld’s complete interview here.
Erin Boyle says
I have been described by friends as warm, caring, and wholesome, with a “cozy vibe.” I am easily moved yet also quick to laugh, which means therapy with me can feel slow and gentle or vibrant and alive, depending on what’s happening at any given moment.
Read Erin Boyle’s complete interview here.
Chris Doorley answered:
I’m calm, engaged, and an active listener during therapy. Also, I intentionally bring in an awareness of word choice followed by inquiries about what’s meaningful for my clients.
Read Chris Doorley’s complete interview here.
Sabrina Rayner answered:
I have a stable and grounded presence. I include socio-cultural perspective to work with all angles any presenting issues.
Read Sabrina Rayner’s complete interview here.
Dani Gotwalt answered:
First and foremost, my goal is to build as much safety in the therapeutic relationship as it allows. I have a deep belief in the power of working together collaboratively and compassionately, I want my clients to know I am on their team as it comes to their well being. And… as appropriate, I can be a bit of a goofball.
Read Dani Gotwalt’s complete interview here.
Karen Baker answered:
I’m a wanderer by nature, and in my work that looks like meandering with intention – think of moving in a circle rather than a straight line. I’m intuitive, fiercely empathetic, direct, fluid, and hold a spacious container for the work to happen.
Read Karen Baker’s complete interview here.
Courtenay Houk answered:
I am warm, empathetic, relational, and hold my clients accountable. I have had clients express appreciation for how I slow them down to engage in their present-moment experience, for introducing somatic-emotional exercises that facilitate self-knowing – and sometimes, experiences of agency (which they have applied to different contexts, outside of our sessions) – and for how I model healthy boundaries in the therapy.
Read Courtenay Houk’s complete interview here.
Ian Silverness answered:
I am warm, attuned, and collaborative. I aspire to make the space as safe as possible so that all parts of you can show up.
Read Ian Silverness’ complete interview here.
Elaine Walker answered:
I am rooted in this work and the body. My clients and I work together as co-creators and adventurers in the process of healing. When we are grounded in the present and in the therapeutic relationship, the awareness and the subsequent understanding of ourselves that emerges can contribute to an alchemical healing process. This work helps you to find and nurture the inner healer in you.
The work also includes exploring and processing deep relational patterns that can lead to more flow, fulfillment, pleasure and certainty in your life. I work with empathy, curiosity and creativity to meet clients where they are in their lives.
I consider the therapeutic space to be sacred; akin to a laboratory, art studio or garden where we can learn and unlearn, co-creating a nurturing space as we get to know our deepest selves. I work collaboratively with warmth and openness. I invite you to come as you are and hope to meet you there.
Read Elaine Walker’s complete interview here.
You Might Also Like to Read:
- 12 Therapists Answer: In one sentence, why might someone go to therapy?
- 16 Therapists Answer: What other modalities inform your work?
- 16 Therapists Answer: Who are the clients that you LOVE working with?
- 10 Therapists Answer: What is something from your experience as a client that you want to share with your own clients?
- How to Choose a Therapist