One reason why some people decide to stop going to therapy appointments is that they feel they have little say in their own treatment plan. This isn’t necessarily because of something the counselor did wrong, but rather it may be attributed to the client’s view that the counselor’s opinion shouldn’t be questioned.
Encourage your clients to take an active role in their own treatment. Ask them if they’ve ever been in therapy before. If so, what worked for them? What didn’t work? What did they like and dislike about therapy? Clients who have never been in therapy before can be asked about their preconceived views of it. Use this information to guide your treatment suggestions. Encourage your clients to speak up if they feel they aren’t making any progress, or if there is something you can do to help them feel more at ease with the therapy process.
Giving your clients a voice and an active role is empowering for them and it may be exactly the right encouragement they need to continue with therapy.
The College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Grand Canyon University invites you to click on the Request More Information button at the top of your screen. Our Bachelor of Science in Psychology degree program can lay the foundation for a rewarding career as a mental health counselor.