I don't know if this is a philosophy or not, but it's the way I would want to be if I were a T...

- At the first appt. I would hand out a booklet with information about therapy terms and concepts, helpful links, etc...since I would be a psychodynamic T and I have seen the confusion here regarding ideas like transference, countertransference, etc., I think that confusion should be eliminated as much as possible. I would tell the client to read the information and we could discuss next session, as well as when any concept comes up for him or her as we go along. I would definitely want to make it clear I will react positively to anything he or she is feeling and not be judgmental.

- Determine what a client wishes to work on and set clear goals (this can still be done in psychodynamic therapy and imo, should be).

- Make sure my office was interesting and comfortable for clients to be in.

- Be available by callbacks only in between sessions to alleviate any confusion caused by lack of tone in emails and shortness of texts (and I hate texting).

- Self-disclose as I see helpful in their therapy on a case-by-case basis.

- Set appts. for every client on the same day and time if possible and ahead of time by a few weeks to avoid scheduling issues.

- No hugs. I can show them I care in other ways.