Individual Therapy
At its best, the conversations of individual therapy should ‘hear people to speech*.’
* Nelle Morton (1906-1987)
Theologian, educator, social activist
There are many therapeutic methodologies and schools of thought, but what is ultimately one of the most significant “curative factors” in psychotherapy is the relationship the client and therapist develop together. The therapist’s ability to listen deeply and respectfully to the words of the client can help the client to take this same attitude toward him or herself.
When there is high regard for the client and the client’s experience, an atmosphere of collaboration is developed, and together client and therapist are free to have conversations of exploration, examination, and imagination. When curiosity and learning are highly prized then both client and therapist are willing to ‘host’ or consider all of the client’s experience. When this experience is considered worthy of attention, defensiveness and self-judgment diminish and a ‘more clear seeing’ is possible. This acceptance makes room for more creativity, flexibility, and possibility.
In the context of this collaborative relationship, my work with individual clients may include a variety of conversations, including:
- exploring the beliefs about self and other which create despair and hopelessness and constrict freedom and creativity,
- examining the exceptions to those stories looking for the examples of growth, learning, courage,
- examining quick reflexive actions which arise out of habit and fear, and developing alternatives,
- applying the practice and skill of mindfulness to thoughts and experience and cultivating a mindful approach to daily life,
- learning about the ‘stress response’ and developing methods for cultivating the antidote of the ‘relaxation response'.
- exploring family of origin experience, conflict and disappointments, perhaps leading to sessions with specific family members or the entire family,
- planning and strategizing for more effective interactions in work place setting.
* (MM) Miller, S. D., Duncan, B. L., & Hubble, M. A. (1997). Escape from Babel: Toward a unifying language for psychotherapy practice. [ISBN: 0393702197]