Does it mean they just sit there and listen passively, and say nothing? Or do they help a client work through what's been shared by asking follow up questions?

[TheWell]

I've never heard it specifically applied to a therapist but when someone gives witness it means they've heard what you have said. They are witness to your pain or your suffering.

[ThingWithFeathers]

I've heard of a t baring witness, which really means to travel alongside a client - to hear someone's story and see their experiences. Often referred to in trauma work - as in baring witness to the trauma.

[Ididitmyway]

It's more of a philosophical concept meaning that they witness your process including your pain, your joy, your struggle etc..basically, your inner process is transparent to them as I understand it. Some schools of thought in therapy consider it therapeutic for people to have a witness who can be present with whatever they go through..

Oh, so it's passive? Just sitting there watching? I guess I'm trying to understand the value of that, not being someone who likes to be stared at.

[Perna]

"When psychotherapists talk about nonspecific factors, they use words like "authenticity", "genuineness", and "presence". What these words boil down to is the idea that good therapists offer their clients real caring and compassion, and whole attention. They are there not just physically, but are also wholly attentive, focused on the client's difficulties, and actively listening to and thinking about what the client is describing in the hopes of finding ways to help that client. They empathize and emotionally connect with what their clients are going through, although they do not take these feelings on, or allow themselves to become overwhelmed by these feelings. They are emotionally, intellectually and physically there with their clients, in the room and receptive and without judgement. This state is not an artifice but rather a true receptivity and willingness to be present. There is no hidden or alternative agenda beyond this mission of compassion and desire to help."

From: The Nonjudgemental Witness - Psychotherapy Treatment And Psychotherapist Information

I guess maybe it feels like sitting and staring if they don't know how to do it, because I've had that happen (but not with this therapist). I was hoping maybe it would be something more interactive. The therapist I'm seeing now mentioned it at the end of my last session, so I didn't have a chance to follow up and ask if it meant sitting and staring at me like a lump. I do think she's more "there" than any of the others, so maybe it would be different and less alienating.

[Victoria'smom]

When I read the title I thought witness in court.

Does it mean they just sit there and listen passively, and say nothing? Or do they help a client work through what's been shared by asking follow up questions? Old T was very quiet it helped me a lot to say what needed to say. New T talks a lot more. I still say what need to be said but it's more of a conversation. I'm not sure I am a fan of the new style but it's new.

[Ididitmyway]

Originally Posted by licketysplit

Oh, so it's passive? Just sitting there watching? I guess I'm trying to understand the value of that, not being someone who likes to be stared at.

The witnessing part is passive, but the witness is not the only role that the therapist assumes. They do whatever feels appropriate and best at the moment, whether it's giving support, interpreting what the client said, going deeper in trying to understand the client's material by asking questions..etc.

Actually, witnessing too is not entirely passive. You don't just stare at someone and watch their processes. You empathize with them, let them know that you can see and appreciate what their going through, so it's not just passive listening..In fact, the deeper meaning of listening is never passive. If the other person doesn't know and can't feel if you understand them and accept them where they are, then you are not really listening, you are just pretending that you are listening. That's why I am also not someone who likes to be stared at. If the therapist just stares for a prolonged period of time, I don't experience them as listening. I need some kind of an indication from them that they heard what I said and that they heard it right.

Thanks for the further explanation. I guess it does come down to capability and skill. I think I have seen too many staring therapists.