How to Know What to Say

13 snips

Sep 7, 2022

Therapists share their experiences of mind-blank moments, improvisation in therapy, embracing authenticity, and mistakes in communication. The podcast emphasizes genuine communication, building relationships, and self-compassion in therapy sessions.

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INSIGHT

Therapy Is Like Improv

Therapy functions like improv: you must stay present and build on what the client brings in the moment.
Preplanned agendas risk missing important, unexpected disclosures from clients.

ANECDOTE

Freezing During Improv And Early Therapy

Jordan recalls freezing in improv as a student and experiencing the same panic as a new therapist when her mind went blank.
She described the felt sense as a frozen fear with sweating palms and grasping for words.

ADVICE

Lead With Curiosity, Not Answers

Prioritize process over content by leading with curiosity and asking to understand the client's experience.
Use simple reflections like “Tell me more” or “What do you mean by that?” to relieve pressure to be perfect.

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Do you have moments in session where your mind goes completely blank and you don't know what to say? In the early years of being a therapist, there can be a real fear of freezing mid-conversation. Here, we share our experiences of mind-blank panic moments, how our relationship with the not-knowing has shifted over time, and phrases we keep at the ready for when we don't know quite where to go.

With Edge of the couch, we are here to create a space to delve into the topics that were either shied away from or dismissed because they were too big, too nuanced, too risky or too uncomfortable to talk about in school or even supervision. Edge of the Couch is not training or supervision. It is for student therapists, new therapists, and therapists wanting to continue to explore their evolving therapist identities and ways of working. When we are talking about clients, please know that we are committed to protecting client confidentiality. We are two passionate therapists sharing our personal opinions about the therapeutic process.

Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram

Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram

Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram

We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign-up.

We're taking the couch on the road! Join us between May 9th and May 24th, we'll be heading to 8 Canadian cities for a LIVE episode recording and a chance to connect with other therapists in your area. Space is limited, so snag your ticket before it's too late! For more information, visit us on Instagram @edgeofthecouchpod. We hope to see you there!

Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch, share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram, or email us at connect@edgeofthecouch.com.

We have partnered with Janeapp, our favourite all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign-up for a free one-month grace period on your new account.

Alison McCleary
www.woodstovewellness.ca

Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram

Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram