” Quote found on Good                                                                                                     Therapy.org.”

 The client,who decides to enter into a therapeutic contract with the therapist initially, can feel nervous, awkward, ill at ease, a little paranoid about who will have access to his private information, and wonders to some degree what others will think about him going to therapy. He will wonder whether the therapist will accept his insecurities, failures, and doubts, and problems with trust. He comes because of unresolved issues from the past, or problems in relationships. Sometimes he comes because of overwhelming anxiety, depression, psychic pain, grief, or loss. He comes afraid, but he needs someone to listen, someone to help him overcome his shame or self-doubt. He is there because he hurts too much, or cannot deal with life as he once did. He may come because trauma has turned his world upside down and he needs help to learn how to survive and move on. His values, class, family, religion, culture, and life’s experiences will influence how well he does in therapy. His ability to communicate, share feelings, give and receive feedback, negotiate, and develop compassion for himself or others will affect therapeutic outcomes. Most of all, he must make a commitment to see it through if there is a good fit between he and his therapist. He must be willing to work hard, to read, to analyze his motives for doing things, to look within his own heart and soul for the strengths and weaknesses that are found there and have the courage to face them, accept them, or change them if necessary. If he and his therapist commit to work together and they are both able to trust and respect one another, self-growth is inevitable. The heart and soul will be fed and nourished.

Sara Longfellow