Ideally, therapy should create an environment where discussions are easy and both the therapist and client have a great rapport with one another. Yet, therapy sessions do not always proceed as ideally as possible, even when both parties are trying their best to understand one another.
If you find it difficult to address sensitive subjects or express certain concerns with your therapist, you aren’t alone. Here are a few ways to give feedback to your therapist or open the conversation to topics you feel the need to discuss.
Be Open and Honest
Your therapist is an experienced mental health professional and because of this, they have likely discussed many things with their clients. As such, it’s important to be open and honest when you discuss your feelings, concerns, and needs during a therapy session. Be clear and specific when offering feedback or asking to discuss a certain topic, and know that your therapist is not going to become embarrassed or angry with you for expressing your feelings.
Be Empathetic
Do your best to offer your feedback in a constructive and non-judgmental manner. By considering the feelings of everyone involved, you’re likely going to reach more meaningful resolutions during your feedback discussions. Remain as calm as you can, even if you’re approaching a topic that’s difficult for you to discuss. Your therapist is there to listen and guide you toward progress, so you already have an ally sitting directly across from you.
Work Together
Teamwork is a big part of therapy, so if there is anything that you need to discuss with your therapist, do so in a frank and open manner. Set goals and expectations so that you and your therapist can remain on the same page when it comes to your progress. It’s also a good idea to be open to receiving feedback in addition to giving it. This way, you and your therapist can make adjustments that will best meet your unique needs.
Discuss Your Boundaries
If you experience something during a therapy session that violates or presses upon one of your boundaries, don’t be afraid to address it with your therapist. A key point of your sessions is to create a safe environment, and mentioning your boundaries is a great way to further define the parameters of your care.
Make Feedback Ongoing
Giving and receiving feedback during therapy doesn’t have to occur only once in a while. It’s a good idea to keep space available for regular check-ins so that you and your therapist can continuously work toward the best possible therapeutic relationship. Collaborate with one another and keep your feedback discussions open and easy to bring up. This way, you and your therapist can revisit your needs whenever necessary.
Criticism is difficult for many people to give, which is part of what makes offering feedback so challenging for some clients. Fortunately, though, feedback does not have to be about criticism. It’s a valuable part of the therapeutic process that can promote both transparency and growth in your therapeutic relationship. Instead of viewing it from a place of criticism, try seeing feedback as a tool you can use to foster understanding and improvement.
