I visited the College’s website the other day and saw a description of what psychotherapy is and decided to include it below. I also decided to include this as part of the consent form that you check off when signing up for my services. You need to be clear on what to expect when you work with me or any other therapist.
- Psychotherapy is primarily talk-based therapy and is intended to help people improve and maintain their mental health and well-being. Registered Psychotherapists work with individuals, couples and families in individual and group settings. Psychotherapy occurs when the Registered Psychotherapist (RP) and client enter into a psychotherapeutic relationship where both work together to bring about positive change in the client’s thinking, feeling, behaviour and social functioning. Individuals usually seek psychotherapy when they have thoughts, feelings, moods and behaviours that are adversely affecting their day-to-day lives, relationships and ability to enjoy life.
A psychotherapy client should be able to observe the following key elements throughout their work with an RP:
- a conversation about the benefits, risks and expected outcome(s) of the psychotherapy and the opportunity to give their informed consent
- a clearly communicated, mutually agreed upon goal or plan for the psychotherapy
- each therapy session has a clear beginning and a clear end where problems or concerns are presented and discussed and outcomes are explored
- The registered Psychotherapist demonstrates the appropriate use of boundaries to create a safe and confidential environment
These important elements are part of the effective client-therapist psychotherapeutic relationship that is the foundation of psychotherapy. Through this relationship, RPs are expected to:
- ensure that the client’s well-being is at the forefront of the relationship;
- work with the client(s) to gather relevant information that will support the formulation of a plan for psychotherapy;
- continuously evaluate outcomes of each session and the impact on overall treatment goal(s);
- practice safe and effective use of self throughout the psychotherapeutic process; and
- adhere to the standards of practice for the profession.
I hope this is helpful because I know that many people come in ‘not knowing what to expect’.
Well, now you know!
Uncertainty often creates anxiety, and the last thing I want to create for you is anxiety. You may want to save this email in case YOU KNOW of someone who would benefit from therapy but is too scared to take that first step.