Patients often ask their therapist what action they should take regarding a specific dynamic in their relationship. It is important for the the individual or couple upon entering the therapy process to be aware, that it is not for the Doctor or Therapist to tell them what to do or how to do it, but rather, to interpret for the couple, and help them to understand exactly what it is that they are attempting to communicate.

It is not a Therapist’s job to FIX the people that walk through their office doors, but rather to “Help Them Help Themselves. ” During this process, the therapist provides a safe haven to explore issues, and an experts positioning on the sequences of behavior and patterns of interaction at play in the couples relationship.

Sometimes it seems impossible “to see the forest for the trees” when one is in the middle of crisis in their own personal trials and tribulations of life and love. As the Therapist, it is my job to help the couple/individual make sense of and choose possible options for moving forward in their relationships in a a positive manner that is pro-active by both parties.

With these basic and essential boundaries in place, the groundwork for the therapeutic process starts. The foundation is laid.

The first three sessions lay that foundation. This is when the therapist must “join” with the patient, meaning, that each respective party begins to feel comfortable in their role as patient, and therapist. It is during these crucial beginning sessions that the doctor/patient relationship is evolves as if it takes a life of its own and is nurtured, and real progress begins to take its course.

Should the patient(s) decide that there is a “comfort zone” and they wish to continue with therapy with this particular doctor/ therapist, it is at this point that the interactive components of trust and therapeutic process between Doctor and Patient develop into a relationship that is trusting and dynamic.

The secret to a” healthy working relationship” with your therapist, and to getting the most out of your therapy, is in truly understanding the Therapeutic process. A few of these rules for therapy are listed below.

1. When approaching therapy, decide whether you are there to “win” at something, or to “work on solutions” to help your relationship survive. Working is the key.

2. A good therapist will not “take sides”. Your therapist is well-trained to work from an Objective stance, not Subjective.

3. Let down the defenses: Don’t come into therapy with a “chip on your shoulder” you are either here to gain a better understanding of your relationship or to fight about the past. Unfair fighting is a deal breaker and you will find yourself a difficult person with which to deal (even with yourself).

4. Responsibility for your own life, relationship and therapeutic process is a key to success. not going to therapy will not “fix” your relationship. It is up to you and your mate to follow through with the therapeutic process while with me or not.

5. Expect your therapist to provide interactive discussion during therapy. Today’s therapy hopes to provide the patient with Solutions for Today’s problems. Simply venting or talking to the therapist for the 55 minute session is old school therapy, psychodynamic, and often leaves the patient feeling as thought they’ve come out of therapy with no new tools or skills to work with.

6. In solution-focused therapy, homework, or directives for further development of your therapy treatment plan are implemented, so that you’ve done your part of the therapy process between sessions whether they be live or on the telephone.

7. Therapy is not easy but good therapy is worth it. Expect to feel uncomfortable at the beginning. It is difficult to feel vulnerable and safe enough at the same time, to express your personal issues and move forward with your therapist. Hopefully these guidelines will provide a birds-eye view enabling you to get the most from your investment in Psychotherapy. If you are reading this article, you are taking the first step to improving your quality of life and relationships. Remember Richard Dreyfus’ book in “What About Bob”. Baby steps. Then the bigger ones.