As a therapist, gaining your client’s trust is often essential to successful therapy outcomes. However, building that trust can be difficult and take time; clients may bring skepticism and doubts about therapy into the room with them. How can you best help them overcome this skepticism? Dr. Brett Holeman, school psychologist, gives tips for helping clients move from distrust to a trusting therapeutic relationship. 

Understand The Client’s Perspective

As a professional, it’s crucial to understand the client’s perspective and value their input. Listening to their concerns and paying attention to their emotions shows that you care about their needs and want to provide the best service possible. Whether it’s a challenging task or a simple request, taking the time to listen actively can make all the difference in building a strong and trusting relationship with your client. Remember, being attentive to their words and emotions can lead to a greater understanding of their expectations, resulting in a successful outcome for both parties. Listen closely, empathize with their concerns, and always aim to provide exceptional service.

Be Honest and Open

Trust seems to be a rare commodity, but being honest and open with clients can create a space of understanding and connection. By sharing your thoughts and experiences with them, you are not only offering them a glimpse into your life but also creating a safe and welcoming environment for them to do the same. 

Create Clear Boundaries

Creating clear boundaries is essential for any successful therapy session. At the beginning of each session, it is important to discuss expectations for therapy between the therapist and the client. This communication acts as a foundation for a strong therapeutic relationship. Boundaries may include confidentiality, punctuality, payment, and other rules specific to your practice. By setting clear boundaries, clients can feel safe and confident in the therapy environment and more willing to engage in the therapeutic process. You and the client can then work towards their goals collaboratively.

Establish Goals

Setting clear and measurable goals is crucial to any successful endeavor, including therapy sessions. When entering therapy, clients must establish goals that reflect their desired outcome and will allow them to track progression toward that outcome. Milestones, or smaller goals, that are achievable and realistic can provide a sense of accomplishment and motivation to continue working towards larger goals. Working with your client to establish these goals to help ensure that sessions are focused and aligned with their needs. By setting goals and tracking progress, they can more easily embrace the therapeutic process and better understand the positive changes taking place.

Connect Them With Resources

As a therapist, it’s important to establish trust with your clients and provide them with resources to further their progress. By sending evidence-based studies or connecting them with other professionals, you reinforce the effectiveness of therapy and show that you genuinely care about their well-being outside of your sessions. These additional resources can provide support and reassurance to your clients while giving them the tools necessary to continue their progress even when not with you. Going the extra mile to connect your clients with helpful information shows your dedication to their growth and success.

Final Thoughts

Therapists must consider each client’s perspective when working with them. Understanding their mindset and taking time to answer their questions and create expectations within sessions can go far in fostering a positive therapeutic relationship. Understanding our limitations and values is key to creating honest conversations and decisive goals for therapy together. If you are a professional looking to give your clients more from their sessions, connect them with reliable resources that back up your work or contribute knowledge outside the therapy session. Make sure these connections are authentic, trustworthy, and helpful. Do this, and you should see increased motivation and engagement from your clients in no time.