The Process of Psychotherapy
By: Suzanne K. LaCombe Ed.D., R. Psych.
When your therapist asks: "How are you experiencing the connection between us today?" he or she is engaging in the process of your work. The therapist is directing your attention to what is happening in the moment and in this example, what you may be feeling about the two of you.
It's a way to get below the words, so to speak. What's just below consciousness is brought into the present moment.
At other times this type of intervention might be about 'the elephant in the room'. Both of you have it in mind, but now you're talking about it.
Still other times, "staying with the process", might reflect sensing into and feeling the emotions that are arising within you instead of "talking over" them as we are often tempted to do.
A sample "process" oriented comment:
"Process" includes how your work is proceeding and how you are experiencing the therapist. It also involves how your therapist is experiencing you.
If I shared a personal experience of being with my client, I might mention that when she expressed anger towards her partner I got a little scared myself.
Then I'll ask my client how that felt to hear it.
In essence, I'm asking her to feel her emotions in the moment, as they are unfolding. These kinds of comments can really increase your capacity for intimacy and closeness with others.
Being present to the process
And by the way, when you and your therapist move into the "process" aspects of your work you'll find yourself automatically moving 'into the present'.
What we've learned from neuroscience is that the more we are present to the "process" the better chance we have in benefitting from therapy.
You should be concerned if you find yourself sitting passively waiting for pronouncements or interpretations from one session to the next in the hopes that your pain will magically be taken away. Without your active participation, you'll miss out on the true potential that 21st Century Therapy offers.
Unfortunately, most clients are never educated on the importance of the "process" aspects of therapy.
Our “issues” can show up in therapy in the most banal ways; they can also masquerade as seemingly insurmountable roadblocks.
Boundaries in Psychotherapy
yeah OK…if I get it right now I am laughing at myself.
too much of a hurry in my excitement about Julie Joseph!
better get more present no matter what!!
Sky
There is nothing here, and I so greatly enjoyed Julie Joseph’s talk that I would be upset to miss anything! Is there meant to be a talk or something here where you say “OK, this is a test”?
Sky