6 reasons why your therapist thinks about you outside sessions

This is an interesting question that my clients ask me, if I as a Therapist / Counsellor think about them outside the allotted session time.  If yes, what do I think about them?  They also ask me about how important they are to me and if I get affected by them and their stories/journey.

YES. As your therapist / counsellor I do think of you, my client, outside the allocated session time. 

In the approach that I take, there are two real people in the therapy room. The therapeutic relationship is between two real people, who are involved in a purposeful process that is aligned towards client needs.

1. Listen to the session recording

Sometimes I listen to the voice recording of our session to understand any nuances that I missed out ought to understand the impact of the interventions on you.  I might also review my tone, pace and voice in the session and observe your responses.

2. Supervision for our work

I may also discuss the case without compromising the confidentiality, with my supervisor, which is an ethical requirement for professional counsellors and therapists. This ensures that the approach I take and the interventions I facilitate are ethical, as per standards and are aligned to your needs.

3. My Self reflection

I usually ask you to reflect on our counselling session or our work or how our relationship is working for you. Having said that I would also reflect upon the sessions and my own thoughts, emotions and my bodily sensations that were evoked in the session or later. Sometimes these may provide indications and perhaps a deeper understanding of your processes and underlying challenges.

4. Planning your therapy

I spend time to plan your therapy and identify the approaches to be taken or possible interventions based upon the goals that you have set for yourself as part of the therapeutic process.

5. Referral and coordination

If there need to be a referral and if you are referred to a doctor any other professional, with your consent I would co-ordinate discuss with them to understand your challenges better and to align my therapeutic approach accordingly.

6. Rejoice at your progress

Sometimes I would reminisce and rejoice at the progress that you have made in the session or overall in therapy or be concerned about the lack of it there on.

So yes, as a therapist / counsellor I am impacted by you, my client. I am influenced to learn as a therapist and to grow as a person.

About the Author:

Kala Balasubramanian is a certified Counselling Psychologist and Psychotherapist with a Masters in Counselling and Psychotherapy, Diplomas in Counselling and has further certifications specializing in couple/marriage/relationship counselling and family counselling. As a trained therapist, she provides professional and confidential counselling services including Individual counselling and Couples counselling / Marriage counselling.

Currently with the COVID-19 situation, all counselling services are offered online over video calls. Reach us at +919632146316 or write to us at counselor@innerdawn.in.