Posted by Dinah on January 9, 2012, at 10:50:34
In reply to Re: Ideal client, posted by Solstice on January 8, 2012, at 11:19:21
Well... I'm thinking there are some thoughts that therapists have that really should be hidden from the general populace. Perhaps not this thought. As you say, it should be stapled to her door like the 99 theses. Probably because it seems so global. She states in her article that when she made this list, she was dealing with eating disorders, anxiety and depression. But it sounds more like she was ideally suited to her current elevator speech.
"Im therapist xxxx. I help overwhelmed women find a healthy balance between caring for themselves and their family relationships so they can live fulfilling and meaningful lives."
At any rate, she now describes herself as being involved with her clinical staff and motivating other therapists, so it all worked out pretty well for all involved.
I think what upsets me about it is that she is encouraging practitioners to judge clients with an eye to, if not terminating, then at least weeding out clients who might well be like us. That can feel a bit threatening. If she reached all therapists, would anyone still see me?
I think it's natural to feel defensive.
But... Not all therapists would have her ideal list, thank heavens. And many therapists have a goal of professional service to those in need, not creating a cozy, happy workplace for themselves.
Hopefully when she said that her ideal client would appreciate her training and expertise, she meant that they would be more or less respectful in their interactions with her. Not that they would be admiring.
So... Maybe this blog should be on the reading list of all clients. To remind ourselves what we're looking for in a therapist. Were I ever to look for a gung ho cheerleader life coach, she might be right at the top of my list. But if I'm looking for a therapist, I'd be more interested in an elevator speech that said something like...
"I'm xxxxx, and I'm a psychotherapist. It gives me satisfaction to help people develop resilience, and skills to deal with anxiety and depression. I'm very excited about the new studies on attachment theory, but I consider myself eclectic. I base my treatment on the needs of the client, and don't try to fit a client to my theory."
Maybe we should ask to hear a prospective therapist's elevator speech.
poster:Dinah
thread:1006540
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20111220/msgs/1006768.html