It isn’t uncommon for people to approach psychotherapy with me in regards to what they present as an identified issue. For the sake of discussion, let’s say client X seeks services to address difficulty with communicating in intimate relationships.
However, it becomes apparent after a number of sessions that client X is self-disturbed, because I’ve focused on the presenting issue when perhaps the individual wants me to intuit what the real, perhaps hidden, problem actually is. I’m expected to instinctually know client X’s concealed issue.
Though not always do people know what underlying content drives their initial interest for therapy, I’ve experienced a number of individuals who’ve expressed that after several sessions they were upset with their irrational beliefs about how I should’ve somehow known that the presenting problem wasn’t actually a matter worthy of addressing.
Although it may significantly increase my capability to provide psychotherapeutic services, I don’t retain the ability to mind-read. I simply cannot automatically intuit every person’s actual issue.
Imagine going to an accountant and not taking any documentation to your appointment. Instead, you irrationally believe that an account should somehow intuitively know your financial circumstances. If this describes you, I hope you’re prepared for an audit.
While client X may initially express a desire to focus on difficulty with communicating in intimate relationships, the individual may’ve already reached the conclusion that leaving a current romantic relationship is an appropriate step to take. Only, client X wants me to instinctively know this and work towards that aim.
Just as an intuitive accountant doesn’t actually exist, I can’t automatically know what a client’s actual problem is. The same is true of other psychotherapists.
Therefore, being open, honest, and vulnerable upfront can save the client X’s of the world a lot of needless self-disturbance, time, and money in regards to therapy. Thus, for those of you contemplating psychotherapeutic services, I encourage you to be truthful about your presenting problem.
If you’re looking for a provider who works to help you understand how thinking impacts physical, mental, emotional, and behavioral elements of your life—helping you to sharpen your critical thinking skills, I invite you to reach out today by using the contact widget on my website.
As a psychotherapist, I’m pleased to help people with an assortment of issues ranging from anger (hostility, rage, and aggression) to relational issues, adjustment matters, trauma experience, justice involvement, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety and depression, and other mood or personality-related matters.
At Hollings Therapy, LLC, serving all of Texas, I aim to treat clients with dignity and respect while offering a multi-lensed approach to the practice of psychotherapy and life coaching. My mission includes: Prioritizing the cognitive and emotive needs of clients, an overall reduction in client suffering, and supporting sustainable growth for the clients I serve. Rather than simply helping you to feel better, I want to help you get better!
Deric Hollings, LPC, LCSW
References:
Freepik. (n.d.). Comic book lifestyle scene at the office [Image]. Retrieved from https://www.freepik.com/free-ai-image/comic-book-lifestyle-scene-office_129890997.htm#page=2&query=accountant&position=41&from_view=search&track=ais_ai_generated&uuid=c453c0a0-67ed-4a19-9327-a9e6c6789336
Hollings, D. (2022, March 15). Disclaimer. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/disclaimer
Hollings, D. (2023, September 8). Fair use. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/fair-use
Hollings, D. (2023, October 12). Get better. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/get-better
Hollings, D. (n.d.). Hollings Therapy, LLC [Official website]. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/
Hollings, D. (2023, May 18). Irrational beliefs. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/irrational-beliefs
Hollings, D. (2023, September 19). Life coaching. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/life-coaching
Hollings, D. (2022, November 1). Self-disturbance. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/self-disturbance
Hollings, D. (2022, October 7). Should, must, and ought. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/should-must-and-ought
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