Question: “I don’t know what to do when my client is distressed” In some sessions with clients, they have been overwhelmed by sudden life changes (e.g., loss of a loved one, or an unexpected break up) and they come to the session in a highly emotional state. What’s the best way to manage these kinds […]
Question: “I don’t know if I’m writing relevant or even useful case notes” When it comes to writing case notes, I sometimes wonder if everything I’m writing is relevant or if I’m writing too much. As a new therapist, I’ve received different answers depending on who I’ve asked. Some lecturers and supervisors say that notes […]
Question: “How can I overcome feeling stuck when working with clients whose problems are similar to my own?” Whenever I have clients who present with anxiety and rumination, it’s as if they’re reflecting my own struggles back to me and sometimes feel at a loss to help them. When we talk through the client’s issues, […]
Question: “I feel helpless because I can’t focus the client or direct the session.” I’ve been working with a client for seven sessions now. They initially said they wanted to overcome their anxiety as it’s holding them back from being social and engaging more with their friends. The trouble is that they keep going off […]
Question: “I want to motivate my client to change.” I have been seeing one of my clients now for 10+ sessions and from the first session, she openly says, “I’m not motivated to try anything in therapy…even though I know I need to change!” She studies Law (a course she’s not interested in) and puts […]
Question: “I don’t like my client. Am I a bad therapist?” I have a client I’ve been working with for a few sessions now and I realise I’m struggling with feelings of dislike toward them. They presented with relationship issues (partner and family members), saying that they find it difficult to “be heard” and feel […]
