Written by: Thomas Goenczi, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
The American Psychological Association (2016) estimates that 75% of individuals who seek any form of psychotherapy find benefit in it. The study quantified a benefit as showing improved emotional and psychological well-being, fewer sick days, fewer medical issues and increased work satisfaction. Even though the statistic is encouraging it would be prudent to understand a couple of the potential elements that contribute to an unsuccessful counselling experience. By uncovering these contributing factors of ineffective therapy, we can be more vigilant of some of the obstacles that get in the way of a successful therapeutic experience.
One of the most common indicators of ineffective counselling is an inability to connect with the therapist. A good way to identify if you are connecting with your counsellor is by reflecting after each session on how the rapport is between the two of you. If you notice that you can speak more freely as the sessions go on, and feel as though you are being heard, then a foundation of trust is organically being fortified.
However, sometimes you encounter a counsellor that you just can’t click with. This is natural of course, as we can’t connect with everyone no matter how much we try. Relatively speaking, one can envision by the 4th or 5th session if their rapport with their therapist can lead them to attain what they intended to with counselling. Good indicators to reflect on during these first sessions are if you are noticing objective progress (emotional processing, reduction in symptomology etc.), an ability to connect with the presenting techniques and modalities, or checking in on an intuitive level, “Does this feel right?”
If you notice that these three aspects are incongruent with your needs then it may be best to talk to your counsellor about it. This not only gives the client some form of empowerment but also allows the counsellor an opportunity to pivot and work to better suit their needs as well. However, sometimes one needs to sever the relationship entirely, this can be frustrating and deflating. Nevertheless, it’s important to keep in mind that you shouldn’t have to force things with your therapist. If you can’t be your natural self, then it may be in your best interest to find someone else sooner than later. This allows one to continue the momentum found in the work that’s already been done.
Another aspect that contributes to a potentially unsuccessful outcome in counselling is effort. Therapy not only takes effort from your counsellor but also on your own end as well. The spectrum of effort from a client runs through the polarity of either being fully immersed in the work or being apathetic about it. For some, effort in the early stages is extremely difficult to conjure up, often due to the mental and emotional well-being of the client. Yet, most of the time we find ourselves waxing and waning between the two. When you feel as though your effort for counselling is fading it may be best to reflect on why.
Effort doesn’t have to be this big grandiose endeavour either, it can appear as answering questions honestly, showing up when you don’t want to be there, or being fully present when in the consulting office. Effort is easier to come by when one has a meaning to pursue their volitional act. It’s beneficial to appraise why you’re doing counselling and to continue to add to that why throughout the process.
By being transparent with your counsellor and providing the experience with adequate effort, you are more likely to be part of the 75%. Yet, one of the most difficult things is to put yourself out there again after having an impotent counselling experience. After ineffective therapy, you feel raw, cheated, and even a little betrayed. However, take accountability for what you can, and don’t let this setback lead you astray from the path you’ve already begun to walk on. The path is never easy to walk, obstacles come in the way in many forms and at times it can be an unsuccessful counselling experience. Still, all you can do is trudge forward and not let the failure define you.
Thomas Goenczi, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Thomas Goenczi, is a veteran of the Royal Canadian Navy, serving for seven years. After leaving the military Thomas pursued his Master of Counselling (Psychology). He now is a clinical counsellor providing his service through his private practice – Well Then Therapy. Thomas focuses on helping his clients and readers uncovering their unconscious roots of their mental struggles and reinfusing there lives with meaning. Thomas has recently reconnected with the military community with the mission of fostering an acceptance towards mental health. He is currently contributor to the Naval Newspaper. Lastly, he has a keen interest in psychoanalytic work, working with one's will, and psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy.
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