Tag: therapeutic relationship

If you are thinking about seeking psychological counseling or therapy, sooner or later a crucial question will arise: Who can I confide in? Trust is not only created through words. As important as the method used and the specialist knowledge of the consultant are, it is ultimately the human relationship between you and your counterpart that has a decisive influence on the success of the consultation. Trusting contact, genuine understanding and an open attitude are the basis for you to open up and make inner change processes possible. In this context, experts speak of rapport, a term that describes the harmonious, trusting connection between counselor and patient or client. But you don’t need to know this term to recognize whether this connection is there for you. You will feel it. In this article, alternative practitioner Karin Schmoldt, shows you what you can look out for and how you can tell whether you feel you are in good hands with a consultant. Your first gut feeling counts Even at first contact, be it on the phone when reading a website or during your first personal conversation, you intuitively perceive: “Do I feel comfortable here?”, “Can I trust this person?”Even before the actual exchange begins, your body registers many subtle signals from your counterpart: Body language Facial expressions and gestures Voice and tone of voice The way you are met If these signals are consistent, you will develop an initial feeling of security and openness. This is an important basis for being able to really get involved in the consulting process later on. Pay attention to your gut feeling. It is a valuable compass How to recognize a helpful relationship Whether a consultation is helpful is not determined by explanations or the number of methods used, but by how you experience yourself during the conversation. Typical signs of a sustainable relationship: You feel seen and heard Your thoughts and feelings are given space. You experience appreciation and openness. There is nothing you have to hide or justify. You feel safe. You are allowed to be who you are, nothing is forced. Why this connection is so important Good advice is about much more than tips or techniques. It’s about creating a space in which you can: Look at your issues openly, develop new perspectives, get back in touch with your own strengths and solutions. This is only possible if you really feel safe and accepted in the relationship.… weiterlesen