My T knew we were going to have an intense session. One could say that the past year of therapy had been leading up to this recent session.

When I walked in, I noticed that her chair was slightly closer to mine. (We sit face to face. It makes me squirm.)

I kept trying to push back but my back was up against the wall!

What sort of tricks do you pick up on that T's use?

See, I think that so many things in therapy are calculated.

Ideas that I have picked up on:

--Box of tissue placement, out of reach in the first session so T can offer them to you. Within reach in future sessions.

--Making sure there is little evidence of the previous client besides the tissue trash can.

--Handling payment at the beginning of session so you aren't trying to pay while crying at the end.

--The phrases they use to end the session. "Let's talk about when I see you next." Or, "We are out of time." Or, "Was this a helpful session?" Or simply grabbing the appointment book.

--Clock placement behind the client's head so the T can watch the time.

--A couch that is lower than the therapist's chair. (This should've been my first clue that my first T was awful.)

--Lighting

--Showing caring by asking the client if the temperature is comfortable. (This floored me. It really actually touched me because it is T's office and she asked me if I'd like it warmer or colder.)

--Showing the client to the door. Standing up as the client exits.

What do you notice?