What Do You Expect?

One of the questions I ask during an initial consultation centers on the client’s expectations for both treatment and the therapist.  Clear expectations about therapy go well beyond problem-solving and goal-setting—important distinctions to make.  When both client and therapist can develop clarity about what therapy is and what to expect, the work will proceed at a reasonable pace, with fewer “bumps in the road.”  The foundation of the therapeutic relationship is likely to be more solid, and goals will be shared—critical when it comes to life-changing work!

Some questions to consider and to talk about with your therapist:

·         What will your life look like once the problem is resolved?

·         What will progress look like?  How will you know you’re making progress?

·         If you’ve been in treatment before, what worked for you?  What didn’t?  How will you communicate these dynamics to your new therapist?

·         What is the therapist’s role in helping you?  What does support look like?  What kind of feedback do you welcome?  

·         What does a collaborative relationship look like?  How collaborative would you like your therapist to be?

·         How do you expect the therapist to communicate with you? 

·         How will you communicate to the therapist when you feel dissatisfied or when you feel you are not making progress?  When you feel you are making progress?

I encourage clients to engage me with these questions.  Talking about your expectations will illuminate the issues you are facing as well as the dynamics that are likely to emerge between you and your therapist.

Indeed, having clear expectations about therapy and your therapist can go a long way toward creating a meaningful helping relationship where deep, life-transforming work can be done.