What is Olivia Like as a Counselor?
So what is it really like to talk to a therapist? Or more specifically, what can you expect from your relationship with me as your therapist? I’m excited to explore this topic today because it is so important, but not often talked about openly! I go over this with each of my clients at the start of our journey together, but today I’m going to put it all out there and tell you right now what that relationship looks like.
Have you ever seen therapists on tv sitting back, scribbling notes while someone lays in a chair retelling their childhood experiences? For a long time people saw a therapist's role as being detached, completely objective and analytical, almost robot-like.
For me, it is important to be real, which is to say that I am a real person and I let myself be a real person when I’m with clients. When you tell a funny story and laugh, I will most likely laugh along with you, and I will gush about how cute your puppy is. When we’re discussing something very powerful and moving, my eyes may well up. I may take a deep breath and sit back and just feel the moment with you. I’m a real person with my own personality! I genuinely enjoy time with my clients and truly feel honored to share that space with you.
With that being said, Counselors and Therapists are unique folks in the roles that we play in people’s lives. While there are for sure similarities, we aren’t exactly teachers, friends, colleagues or coaches. Our relationship is what is called a “therapeutic relationship”. It has a role and a lifespan. I do my best work and am most helpful to you when I stay within that role and that means I have to stick to certain parameters in our relationship. In fact, there are actually codes of ethics that outline what I can and can’t do.
Here are a few examples:
I must protect your privacy, so If I happen to see you in public, I cannot approach you to say hi. You are certainly welcome to approach me, but I will always let that be your choice.
I protect the therapeutic space by keeping the focus and priority on you. You are always welcome to ask me questions about myself, but know that I may not share everything. Not because I want to be annoying or am hiding something, but because if the information is not directly helpful to your progress in therapy, then it isn’t considered part of the therapeutic relationship.
I have to protect the therapeutic nature of my role by not having a social relationship with clients outside of therapy. We also can’t have a “dual relationship” which just means I can’t know you from another setting outside of counseling.
Now I’m sure you see what I mean when I say it is unique! I am a real person with my own personality and strengths and I bring that into the session because it is important to me to be real and authentic and human with you. I also am careful to work within my role to be most helpful to you by protecting the therapeutic space with certain boundaries.
Do you still have questions about what it’s like to work with a counselor or to have me as your counselor? Reach out today for a free consultation with me! You can also have a look at my YouTube channel where I cover my blog topics like this one and more!
Hope to hear from you soon.
Olivia
