3 Factors To Consider When Building A Connection With Your Therapist
Written by: Hannah Brents, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Therapy, in its best form, is a sacred and neutral space. It becomes a safe space from the other areas of our life, and it's a neutral zone between our inner life and the world around us. Everyone has different goals when entering their therapy journey, and it is essential to identify the different types of therapy specific to you and your goals. The four different types of therapy and the goals associated that most clients strive to accomplish during their sessions are; building resilience, reflecting on appropriate life skills, healing poor historical attachment, and helping process new and old hurts. Once you have defined which form of therapy you are targeting, you and your therapist can begin to build a connection together.
Entering the 'Therapy' dating pool
Research has shown that the most significant indicator of successful therapy is the relationship between the client and the clinician. To build a connection with your Therapist, you first must do some research, looking into what they specialize in, where they are located (virtual or in the office), if they are licensed in the state where you reside, and get clear on their values and how they can support you.
If it sounds a lot like dating, it's because it is. Many clients feel like finding the right clinician is similar to entering into the 'therapy' dating pool, except instead of being wined and dined, you are working together to reach your therapy goals. Finding a therapist that you 'click' with and building a foundation of trust and connection may not come easy to everyone, and it may take booking a few consultations with different clinicians to find the right one. That's all part of the process. Finding the right therapist can be challenging, but it is unbelievably rewarding for you once you've found the right person. From there, you will continue to make organic connections based on chemistry, time, and consistency.
Consistency is key
The connection between the client and the Therapist is the most significant indicator of positive outcomes. In order to build that connection, there is a certain amount of dedication that needs to be established before you commit to therapy.
Throughout the pandemic, many clients often say that therapists are the one person in their lives that they speak to regularly. Most therapists will ask you when you begin therapy if you are willing to commit to weekly sessions for four to six weeks. This is because that time will be vital to building a solid connection with one another. And remember, if you want a positive outcome from your therapy session, consistency is key.
Therapy is not an antidote to loneliness
Therapy is not an antidote to loneliness; it is disconnected from the rest of your life. It's a place where you can feel seen, heard, and acknowledged. It's a constructive way to gain insight into your behavior patterns, thought processes, and/or relationship cycles. These may be patterns you are aware of or are totally new to you. As you continue your therapy journey, you will uncover how to work through, break out, or continue those cycles. Therapy is a neutral place to gain insights into your inner self, which will help you to build connections outside of the therapeutic space.
Finding a Therapist you can Connect with
As we've already stated, finding the right therapist can be difficult. Some people get lucky and connect with the first Therapist they meet with, while others take months to find the Therapist they can genuinely connect with and feel comfortable with.
If you are starting your journey to finding the right Therapist, I encourage you to begin by seeking out therapists in your area. If you're in Massachusetts and you would like to talk to me further, I'd be happy to speak with you and learn more about your therapy goals and how I can help.
Hannah Brents, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Hannah Brents is a LICSW with a virtual therapy practice in Massachusetts. Many of Hannah’s adult clients come to her to address anxiety, trauma, life transitions, existential questioning, and relational difficulties. As Theology Therapist, Hannah serves as a resource for anyone looking to connect ‒ to yourselves, to others, to the divine and the natural world). She holds an extensive background in Theological Studies, allowing her to combine meditation, yoga, and clinical expertise to encourage deeper connectedness of the whole person as a means of healing and coping with suffering.
