When we sign up for therapy, we expect to learn something from our therapists. We usually expect to learn things like coping skills and breathing techniques. These things are often the bread and butter of a therapy session, and you will learn lots. Also, your therapist will learn lots, too!
That’s right. I didn’t make a typo. Your therapist will, or should, learn as well. Every client is unique, no matter the common diagnosis or problem. For example, the diagnosis of ADHD can look very different in how it is experienced based on the client’s age, culture, sex, gender, job, medication interventions, socioeconomic background, and more. This is why when I first meet with a client, no matter where their symptoms lead to diagnosis, I do my best to listen to their struggles and what interventions have or have not worked. I believe every client knows themselves best, and I am simply there to help facilitate change and offer new ideas to tackle their challenges.
Although I have read many articles and completed training on treating clients, I still find listening to clients’ different perspectives and approaches super helpful. First-hand accounts from clients dealing with similar issues often offer the richest insights and tools. I often thank them and then say, “If you don’t mind, I am going to pass along this information to other clients working on similar issues (while maintaining confidentiality, of course).”
Here are some of the brilliant things my clients have taught me and helped other clients indirectly:
- When dealing with anxious thoughts about the future and the “what if’s”-sometimes it helps to ask yourself, “Why worry twice?” 💭 This can help recenter and stop fixating on bad things that may never happen.
- When discussing the importance of mindfulness (being present and aware to cope with stress) and being in the present moment, a client shared that someone once told him, “Anxiety is like having one foot in the future and depression is like having one foot in the past… and then pissing on the present. 😂
- Another client introduced me to an awesome app for self-care and to-do lists called Finch. It’s an app where you check things off your self-care lists and get cool clothes and decorations for your cute digital pet finch.🐦
- Another client came up with a cool metaphor using a kitchen for distinguishing productive vs. unproductive worry. They shared that they envision what is on four burners of their stove is the most important thing to focus on (urgent & important), the oven is a secondary worry, and the fridge and freezer are issues that really don’t need time or attention for a while. 🍳
I am sure there are many more that will come to my mind later, and maybe I will update this with them when I think of them. In the meantime, I hope they helped you or inspired you to consider seeking therapy if needed, not to just help yourself, but others, too. ✨
