[Miswimmy1]

If you were a therapist, what would your personal philosophy be?

If I was a therapist, my personal philosophy would be that: I would try to build positive therapeutic relationships based on honesty and mutual trust as a way to set a good foundation so that each client will be able to reach his/her personal goals. Curious as to what everyone else's philosophy would be.

[stopdog]

No hugging.

[RTerroni]

Originally Posted by stopdog

No hugging.

Ouch, in fact when I saw this the first thing that came to my mind would be that I would hug clients if they asked for one.

[growlycat]

Do no harm

[bunnylove45]

I would smile, often.
Be affectionate with hugs, handshakes, holding hands (as per request from client)
Infuse the therapy session with affirmations about the client.
Let some of my personality/personal life show.
Assure them they are not alone in their journey, I'll be there 100%, no matter what.

Therapy isn't one size fits all. Adjusting always to meet the needs of the client. Stepping away from conventional and text book protocol may indeed benefit the client!

Then again, with these qualities, it most likely wouldn't fly in a real life therapy situation. Therefore, I wouldn't make a good therapist!

[elliemay]

Less whine, more breathing.

[learning1]

Originally Posted by stopdog

No hugging.

Mine would be trying to tune in to how the client believes they could be helped at the moment and often trying to provide that, not trying to push them with my own agenda.

Part of my job as school director is being a therapist to kids , their parents, and even to the teachers. People come to my office to vent and talk about problems, and i deal with kids and their behaviors.
I build the relationship first. With kids its lots of positive reinforcement, lots of hugs and high fives. Lots of catching the kids being good. Lots of pep talks for the adults.

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.

[yoyoism]

I don't think I would be a good therapist.. but in an ideal world (where I was one), I would just try to be a non-judging, open ear. I would also be as sincere as possible with them.

I would always be honest with clients no matter what.
I hate being lied to and if I couldn't help or thought I didn't have the skills I would refer them straight away.
I would always let them start sessions and let them guide me as to what they needed. I hate ts that think they know what is best for the client.
At first meeting with a client I would let them know my boundaries so there would be no confusion around texting and calling. I think this would depend on the client and if they were in a crisis.
I would give hugs and lots of them but first I would wonder what the motivation behind asking for one was. I would try to be creative and work with paints and writing. If a client didn't or couldn't talk I would just sit there with them and wait until they were ready.
I would treat every client respect and not as though I know better because as t can't know what is best for us.

[caseygirl]

I don't think I would be a good therapist, thinking my sessions would be too long as I dread saying "well that's it for today". Also, I think I would take some of my client's problems home with me and it would affect my personal life.

[SkinnySoul]

Honesty, even if it hurts
No therapist-like phrases, cliches
Admitting my mistakes
Patient's health above all
Zero self disclosure
No flirting or touch of any kind
No contact outside session

I could never ever be a therapist though. Not in a million years.

I want my patients to throw my money at me contemptuously and then watch me scramble to the floor to pick it all up like the scrounging weasel I am.