Talk-Therapy, Counselling, Psychotherapy
Whatever word used, it is about the relationship. A therapeutic relationship is a unique type of relationship between a client and a professional helper. An initial session typically includes a discussion of confidentiality and privacy and then some clarification around what has brought you to speak with a professional helper. Some background information on your history will be gathered and discussion will be had on hopes for the short-term and long-term. The therapist will discuss potential evidence-based options and how outcomes might be monitored as the therapeutic process unfolds.
Individual therapy is based solely on improvement in the individual seeking services. A number of approaches can be used from a single session to those that are considered life-long.
Couples counselling places the couple as the “client” and the therapist attempts to understand patterns in the relationship and then to make changes to strengthen the bond.
Family therapy places the entire family as the “client” and no one family member is considered the “problem”. The family therapist will work with the family to learn different perspectives and help the family have a shared language. Focus may be on addressing problems and conflict or aimed at strengthening the connections and often times both.
Play therapy is a unique approach in which play becomes the vehicle of change. Play can be very effective when one “doesn’t have the words to describe their experiences” and is especially effective in cases of trauma and adjustment. While the appointments may have the appearance of playing, deep work is being done to restructure the connections and lead to improved attachments and overall wellbeing.
Group therapy is when 6-8 individuals come together with the sole focus of supporting one another through whatever might arise and can be especially helpful when one is feeling isolated or otherwise disconnected from the social world. A group therapist holds the primary tasks of ensuring safety and commitment from members to help one-another through the ups and downs of life.
Similar to other relationships, it is important to speak to the ups and downs of the relationship and to work-through these. The therapist is specifically trained to hear feedback and to address this so that the therapeutic process can unfold efficiently and effectively. This conversation can be the fuel that propels therapy forward and leads to substantial and long-lasting change.
