It's okay to ask how it went Something that seems to be a bizarre misconception with many is that what happens at therapy, stays at therapy. Your partner may prefer to go along with this way of thinking — they may not want to discuss the ins and outs until they've had a chance to process thoroughly.
Establish protocols: It may be helpful to ask your partner whether they are comfortable talking about their therapy sessions. If they are open to it, you can ask about their session each time they go to therapy. If they hint that they may not be, leave it alone and don't pry.
Knowing that you can say anything to your therapist and it will remain in the room helps you feel safe and builds trust between you and the therapist. For this reason, all therapists are legally and ethically bound to keep their sessions confidential and not share with anyone else what was talked about.
Asking questions is an essential part of therapy; they help build trust with your patient and improve communication. If you ever find yourself stuck, not knowing what to ask your client, just choose one of the questions provided above to get the conversation going.
The short answer to the question is: Yes. If you have a question, you should ask. Your questions are valid and likely relevant to the therapeutic process. (Blatantly inappropriate questions are of course a different story.)
The short answer is that you can tell your therapist anything – and they hope that you do. It's a good idea to share as much as possible, because that's the only way they can help you.
Other things to avoid during a therapy session include: asking about other confidential conversations with other clients; showcasing violent emotions; or implying any romantic or sexual interest in your therapist.
By starting your conversations with 'why', it can send off signals of judgement from you, and indicate a lack of trust in their own judgement.
So, rest assured that it's probably fine to ask your therapist how they're doing and other small talk questions, but Dr. Babbel says there are definitely some questions you shouldn't ask, like how old they are, or if they've ever been married.
If you believe you're safe and comfortable with a hug from your therapist, it doesn't hurt to ask for one. Of course, your therapist has a right to say no.
People sometimes feel coerced into sharing what they're working on. The decision to share what happens in therapy should come from the person who is in therapy and not from their partner. There should be no pressure from their partner to do so.
Can I ask My Therapist What He/She Thinks of Me? Yes, you can, and yes you should. This is a reasonable question to ask a therapist, and any good therapist will be happy to answer.
Yes, therapists are supposed to talk. Sometimes there are good reasons for therapeutic monologues. For example, some of the more structured forms of therapy involve a fair amount of teaching new concepts and explaining exercises.
It's okay to ask your therapist about their life. Any questions you have in therapy are valid and are likely relevant to the therapeutic process. Whether your therapist answers the question and shares personal information can depend on their individual personality, philosophy, and approach to your treatment.
If you're wondering, “should I tell my partner I'm seeing a therapist?” the answer is likely yes — but whenever it feels comfortable for you to do so. Talking about your therapeutic experience may help to foster open communication, transparency, and even reduce stigma around mental health.
You get to have control in your therapist's office; you can talk about whatever you want, and work through the issues that you decide are important. For a lot of people in therapy, the conversations turn toward resolving relationship issues.
After you realize that transference is very common and not shameful, talk about your feelings with your therapist. Professing your love (or whatever emotion you're feeling) may be easier said than done, but it can help your therapist understand your issues and help you get the most out of your therapy.
> Therapists usually take their cue from the patient.
We will steer clear of saying hi unless our patient indicates in some way that it is OK. You are free to make the choice that feels right to you at the time. There is no judgment either way.
Scanning our body for tightness, emotion, specific sensations such as a sinking gut can help provide insight into how we experience the world and provide direction for steps going forward. A therapist is not a keeper of all the right answers and does not intuitively know what is best for you.
“I don't know” meaning “I really don't know. I will need to give that some thought.” In this instance, patients generally have not consciously thought about their answer to the question. Their intention is to communicate that they will give thought to the topic and perhaps return to it at a later date.
People are often ashamed to see a therapist because they feel like everyone else has everything together and seeing a therapist means they are weak. In reality, people from all walks of life struggle in some way or another—especially when it comes to their mental health.
Sharing something you think is too sensitive or personal can be uncomfortable. But know you're not alone in thinking you've disclosed too much in therapy. When this happens, it can help to explore why you think you've overshared and talk it over with your therapist.
Hands. Your client's hands can give you clues about how they're reacting to what comes up in the session. Trembling fingers can indicate anxiety or fear. Fists that clench or clutch the edges of clothing or furniture can suggest anger.
Some of these topics include feeling incompetent; making mistakes; getting caught off guard by fee entanglements; becoming enraged at patients; managing illness; understanding sexual arousal and impulses; praying with patients as part of therapy; feeling ashamed; being fired; and not knowing what to do.