What does it mean to have a therapist?

        What does it mean to have a therapist? First, it means you have a professional in your corner in the boxing match of life. As your therapist I am here for you. In this regard I am like a good (as opposed to a rejecting, dismissing or downright abusive) parent. Second, it means you have someone to whom you can be real and genuine with. Carl Rogers (1961) emphasized one particularly unique element good therapists provide their clients--they provide them with "unconditional positive regard" (p. 47). 

        I like the boxing match metaphor because it emphasizes an important point. My role as a therapist is quite different from that of Lawyer. As a lawyer I am like a gladiator, medieval priest and Roman orator in one--you might even throw in sorcerer in that we utter magic words to get higher powers to work on our clients' behalves. Comparatively, as a lawyer I am quite directive. As a therapist though, I rarely give advice. Advice is generally not therapeutic. The emphasis is upon helping the client tap into his or her inner wisdom--in this regard therapy is quite Socratic.


Reference


Rogers, C. R. (1961). On becoming a person: A therapist’s view of psychotherapy. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Company.

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