Unfinished Business: Owning Our Therapeutic Process as Helper

Have you ever given a client/patient feedback and think to yourself, “Wow, that was pretty profound! Maybe I should take my own advice.” We all have. Certainly we are not perfect humans yet many of our clients think we are. But what happens when we aren’t well? The therapeutic relationship forms the foundation of effective psychotherapy, and the therapist’s use of self plays a crucial role in facilitating positive therapeutic outcomes.

As mental health professionals, it is ethically and critically important we examine our use of self, encompassing genuine engagement, empathy, and ability to establish a safe and trusting environment. As therapists we must recognize and manage our own biases, countertransference, and personal reactions to ensure that our responses align with the client’s needs, rather than being driven by our own unresolved issues. By embracing vulnerability and sharing appropriate aspects of our own lived experiences, therapists can validate and normalize our clients’ emotions, fostering a sense of connection and reducing feelings of isolation.

This workshop will use lecture, discussion, and experiential and didactic exercises to explore the significance of the therapist’s authentic presence and self-awareness, emphasizing their impact on the therapeutic alliance and the client’s overall well-being by owning their own process of healing. We will highlight the importance of therapists prioritizing their mental well-being to enhance their ability to provide competent and compassionate care.

In addition, our work in the larger group will delve into the impact of the therapist’s mental well-being on the therapeutic process. I intend to highlight the necessity for therapists to prioritize self-care, seek supervision, and engage in ongoing personal growth to prevent burnout and compassion fatigue. By taking responsibility for our own mental health, therapists can cultivate resilience, maintain professional boundaries, and sustain a high level of clinical competence.

Emphasis will be placed on the recognition that the therapist’s use of self in the therapeutic relationship is a dynamic and multifaceted process that significantly influences therapeutic outcomes. By harnessing their authenticity, self-awareness, and self-care practices, therapists can establish strong therapeutic alliances and enhance their clients’ overall well-being.

Finally, this workshop will push for continued exploration and integration of these essential aspects into therapeutic training and practice, recognizing their potential to positively transform the field of psychotherapy.