[East17]

Can't do this as a poll as I'm using Tapatalk, but just interested to know others views.

2 T's that I saw privately practised from their homes, so the space was comfortable, quiet and private - I think that helps contribute in a good way to the therapy.

Current T (NHS) sees clients in a MH centre, but the room is small, poorly decorated, no comfortable seating, noisy (there are people coming and going outside) - not conducive to a good therapy session. I've asked if we can move but available rooms are like gold dust at the centre so no chance.

I see my t through the public health system so the room is kinda like your current t's.

In our last session, someone was vacuuming RIGHT outside the door. I have to laugh even as I say this because we were discussing sex and all we could hear was the vacuum. It was distracting us. But then I have a strange sense of humour.

[MrsDuckL]

I’m a hyper observant person, so to me, comfortable space and privacy are very important. My therapist has his own practice. It’s a small office—couch for patients (I don’t recline on it though), two red chairs, desk, bookcase, lamp, end table. It’s all very tastefully and comfortably decorated. There’s a small waiting room outside the office, but there’s a white noise machine and a radio playing on low volume to disguise any of the conversations in the therapy room.

Previous terrible short lived T was also in private practice, but had an office that was ostentatiously decorated—couch with no fewer than 10 throw pillows, comical oversized chess set (I’m sure he was going for some methaphor with therapy), huge throne-like chair for him to sit on/ never get up to greet patients, chair in the corner with several puppets, blackboard, and a couple of marble end tables. I vastly prefer my current therapist’s tastefully and comfortably decorated office.

[Lemoncake]

I see R at his home. Two chairs, one desk a small clock and the tissues.

When I was at school I remember Miss J who was a psychology teacher sitting down with me on the floor in an empty corridor, other times it was in empty class rooms.

It would have to just be the two of us with no chance of me being overheard. Ideally I would want it to be quiet too, but I've had sessions with awful noise- it can be done it's just unpleasant .

I had a similar experience as your current situation when I saw a therapist for one session in a GP surgery. It was awful. Both the room and the therapist. Since then I saw therapists in private practice in their own homes and that made a huge difference to me. I wouldn't hurry back to an uncomfortable shoe cupboard in a GP surgery.

[Argonautomobile]

Just please Jesus let it not be in an exam room. Those are the ****ing worst. I've never had a session in one of those TV therapist rooms with not-metal furniture. Sounds both nice and overly familiar.

Sorry you aren't finding the T's room to be conductive to a good session.

[healinginprogress]

I like my current set up. T is in private practice. Only one client in the waiting room at a time. Several seats in her office. White noise outside. I wouldn't be a letter to focus if I knew there were people waiting.

[alpacalicious]

With the first T the space was a bit cold I think. It was a random office that was used for many different things, inside my university. So it was a cold room, minimalistic in a way, there was a desk and my T was behind the desk.
With my current T I go to his house, he has a room for therapy. I really like the room because it's small, there are no noises since the house is in a very quiet place, I like the dark colors, the room is "earthy" in a way, it makes me feel grounded, and there are two armchairs and no desk so I can look at my therapist properly without "barriers". When I enter the room, and start talking with him I lose sense of time...it's like I'm entering in another dimension that is reserved for me and that is safe.
I think for me feeling comfortable with the T is more important than the office or room. But the room can add something more, it creates an "atmosphere".

[AllHeart]

It's important. My t'a space is super warm, inviting, and comfy. Quiet, too. I couldn't handle noise, clutter, sterile, fancy, or uncomfortable spaces. It would be too distracting for me.

[Iamhiding]

I am with you there as my current T has a typical office, but I would LOVE to have a comfortable place and even a couch.

It might sound crazy to some people (I am sure not to others), but I believe I could actually open up better and have better sessions if the environment was a little more comfortable. I don't do 'sterile' very well because it is not very calm and caring. At least I have a great T, if she would just at least get better furniture, we might move faster... LOL