Therapists must retain their clients to continue care and develop a meaningful therapeutic relationship.
Manage expectations
Many clients enter therapy hoping that the process will be straightforward and that simply attending sessions will lead to improvement. However, a qualitative study on psychological therapy from the client's perspective shows that the reality is often much different. As one client said, "I had no idea how difficult I was going to find it… how much hard work it actually is to go through therapy."
Therefore, therapists must communicate that therapy progress entails hard work and involvement. Moreover, therapists must acknowledge that some clients may have been on the waiting lists for a long time before coming for their first consultation. As one participant noted, reaching out for therapy can feel like “banging my head against walls.”
Ultimately, starting therapy for the first time must be greeted with compassion and understanding.
Establish a therapeutic alliance
Clients in this study reported the desire for a real relationship with their therapists, stating "We are just two human beings in a room." This perspective reminds us that the therapist and client are imperfect individuals navigating a complex process together.
Therapy also involves building trust. In the study, several clients mentioned early resistance to engaging fully, often because they were protecting themselves or had preconceived ideas about the therapist's role. One participant explained that early sessions often seemed to feel like "wasting [the therapist's] time," suggesting that therapists should reassure their clients that it is safe to share their vulnerabilities.
Clients also emphasized the value of bi-directional challenges within the therapeutic relationship. For example, as one participant phrased it, "She challenged me and I challenged her," demonstrating that open discussion regarding discomfort or conflict can be therapeutic.
Facilitate personal agency
Personalization increases engagement and invests the clients in their therapeutic journey. More specifically, engagement is maintained when clients are empowered to take an active role in their therapy. For many clients, personalized therapy gave them a sense of personal agency saying, "The different techniques… tailored to me… was a massive deal to me, it was reassuring to have that."
Other clients summarized the therapy procedure as a journey wherein they acquired new life skills and coping strategies. The fact that they can employ such implements outside of sessions reinforces this idea that therapy is not altogether what goes on within the office. As one client noted, "I didn't realize I was capable of it," therapy is potentially transformative, provided the clients are willing to participate.
Address termination of therapy
Termination of the therapy is a sensitive moment for the clients. As one client expressed, "You feel like you've opened this can of worms, and now… 'Bye-bye, deal with it on your own.'" Noting their sense of abandonment when the therapy was not appropriately prepared for, therapists must plan the end of therapies alongside their clients.
Conversely, for those whose therapy ended gradually and with deliberateness on the part of the therapist, a sense of readiness and empowerment was usually present. One such client said, "It's like taking the stabilizers off and off you go."
Ultimately, preparing clients for the end of a therapeutic journey can help them continue to maintain their progress and growth on their own.
Learn more: HIPAA Compliant Email for Mental Health Professionals
FAQs
Can motivational feedback be incorporated into therapy sessions?
Yes, motivational feedback is used in many therapeutic approaches, like motivational interviewing and positive psychology, to promote patient engagement and progress in therapy.
Do HIPAA compliant emails enhance the therapeutic relationship?
Yes, HIPAA compliant emails allow therapists to directly email their patients, offering personalized mental healthcare and promoting patient-centered communication that improves patient outcomes.
Can HIPAA compliant emails improve patient engagement?
Yes, mental health professionals, including therapists, can use HIPAA compliant emails to send reminders and share resources, making it easier for patients to stay informed and involved in their care.
