The explanation of what makes therapy useful, is probably best left to clients. I use this page to share feedback from couples and individuals (with their permission) at the end of therapy.What has been helpful here?
Saying things out loud, talking them through, finding out I am not the only one to have this anxiety...Normalising things. The feeling that my anxiety could get better..and encouraging me to start talking to my partner about my anxiety helped enormously.
What advice would you give to people starting therapy?
Find the right person. Seek it out. Talking helps.
[Individual therapy.]
What has been helpful here?
I feel like I am finding out -for the first time - a way to be honestly myself. I'm finding a way to be around other people without feeling like I'm either going to lose myself or lose them. It's taking pleasure in being with people. I guess I feel less alone.
[Individual therapy.]
What has been most helpful here?
It was how you helped break down both sides of our opinion so we could really hear each other - for the first time in a long time. It felt easy for us to express what we were both going through and feel accepted. I was scared before I came but I never felt on the spot.
[Couple therapy.]
What has been most helpful here?
'Giving us a space to start communicating when we were in a very difficult place.'
'Having the space and opportunity to speak freely about anything and everything. Learning to listen again.'
What advice do you have for your future self in this relationship?
'To be more patient and LISTEN!'
'Keep on talking no matter how difficult the conversation may be.'
What will you continue working on over the coming months to maintain progress?
'Being more supportive, and being respectful of our time.'
'Keeping the lines of communication open! It's so easy to fall back into the pattern of not talking / listening.'
[Couple therapy.]
What has been most helpful?
The creation of a lovely open space for discussion that was very enfreeing. Being able to 'get it all out' and re-examine it in a different - and lighter way. The elements of CBT were also very useful.
How have you surprised yourself here?
Revealing my blind spots - but in an embracing way.
[Client finishing short term therapy.]
What have you learned here?
I've begun to care about myself and to take care of myself.
[Individual therapy.]
How have you surprised yourself here?
There were things I thought I'd never be able to accept about me, much less talk to anyone else about. Talking about them made me understand them, and feel like I could face them, put them in a context. I've been able to tell my partner things I've always kept hidden.
[Individual therapy]
How have you surprised yourself here?
I didn't think I would ever have courage to really share what was actually in my head and then still stay sitting in the room with someone. And I didn't ever think I'd laugh in therapy!!!!
[Individual therapy]
