This One’s for the Therapist You’re Becoming

*An extremely uncomfortable silence filled the room, with only the sound of my nervous heartbeat breaking the stillness* .  Have you ever experienced this feeling, anticipating something that hasn’t even happened yet? It could be the fear of an upcoming exam or a presentation. Psychology tells us that “Mildly elevated stress” can lead to positive outcomes, but what happens when we’re faced with real-life situations involving a person who has difficulties and needs us to aid themselves?

Does that thought scare you, or is it just me? I remember when I first recognized this fear within myself. I was working as a Clinical Psychology intern at a clinic in my hometown, Hyderabad. It had only been a few hours since I learned how to take a proper “Case History,” and I was expected to do the same for an existing patient of my mentor’s. At that moment, my heart stopped. I wanted to get everything right, with no mistakes. However, life does have a way of teaching us through experiences, and after some time with mistakes made here and there, topped with lots of teachings, I gradually became much better at taking histories of the patients. 

This situation makes me question how I would react when faced with a real-life case, like my very first client. From the conversations I've had, I understood that one improves with experience over time. However, I'm talking about a real person here! It's quite daunting, isn't it? As I reflected on this, I realized that many others must be experiencing similar feelings. So, I was always curious to learn how they handled it. So based on my findings, I have made a list of tips that could possibly actually help us in the future during our practicing journey - 

Starting off as a therapist , one is often relatively young, around the age of 22 or 23. For many clients, especially if it's their first session, there is a strong preference to seek help from a therapist who appears experienced and capable. So here's a tip for all the aspiring therapists: it’s important to "dress the part." Whether we like it or not, dressing in a polished manner can boost our confidence, which in turn is reflected in our facial expressions and body language.

As challenging as it may be, first-time therapists often encounter clients who are hesitant to open up during their initial sessions. For some, attending therapy can feel more like a chore, in turn making it difficult for young therapists to engage with such clients from the start. However, as the saying goes, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.” So here are some helpful suggestions for the same: 

1. Ask Open-Ended Questions: These questions encourage clients to share more, allowing for richer conversations rather than simple "yes" or "no" responses.

2. Explore Client Interests: While asking relevant questions to your client during the initial sessions, take this time to also learn about their interests. For instance, during an observation session with a teenager who appeared disengaged, the therapist discovered that the client had a passion for art and sketching. This common interest helped break the ice, leading to more open and productive sessions later on.

One other important aspect that I have observed in the experiences of upcoming therapists, and myself (when I had sat for a case as an understudy) is when the clients share their deepest traumas. In the very beginning, it would be very tough for you as a therapist to take it all in one go. Even though we aren’t the ones who are experiencing it first hand, second hand trauma experience is also valid. So during times like these, there should be certain tips that you as a young therapist should keep in mind: 

• Always remember to seek help from a senior psychologist. 

• Make sure to set clear goals in terms of work-life balance for yourself.

• As hard as it can be, it's okay to shed a few tears when your client expresses their grief. (As long as it shows empathy towards the client, and should not end up in a situation where the client is having to console you)!

• Focusing on your self-care outside of your profession. 

  In the early stages of our careers, it can be challenging to find a balance in our lives. Many of us tend to be overly focused on our careers, driven by the desire to earn money or to make the most of our professional opportunities. While there’s nothing wrong with this ambition, it’s crucial to also prioritize finding balance. After all, wouldn’t this be one of the essential pieces of advice we would offer to our prospective clients?  With that in mind, here are a few tips that we can incorporate into our future practices:

  - Schedule your appointments with clients effectively. Such as taking short breaks between sessions, and taking appointments when you are at your freshest self. 
  

  - Make a conscious effort to avoid falling into the “over-working” trap.
  

  - Reserve your break days for hobbies, relaxation, and time with friends and family.

  - When seeking employment in clinics, hospitals, or organizations, take the time to understand their work policies

To conclude the blog on a cute yet reassuring note, I asked my mentor, who is currently a psychologist, to share a few words about their experiences when they first started in the profession. Here’s what they had to say:

“When I first began my career, it was challenging to conduct therapy sessions for clients after completing my master's degree. However, after a few months, my mentor began to believe in me and entrusted me with full-fledged sessions. I encountered difficulties with "taking therapy" at the start, as both our internships and studies focused primarily on the theoretical aspects rather than practical application.  Although my pro bono sessions went well, I felt a bit nervous when I had my first paid client. However, with time—cliché as it may sound—it indeed got better, and experience played a significant role in that improvement.  Another challenge I faced in my early years was the struggle for clients to trust me as a "young therapist" during pro bono therapy sessions. Most clients were hesitant to share their emotions and feelings with someone perceived as inexperienced. Yet, I realized that without these sessions, gaining practical experience would be difficult.  Ultimately, my passion and determination drove me to start taking clients immediately after my master’s program. My guiding principle has always been to prioritize my clients’ perspectives, especially when working with students. That’s why I charge them a lower fee compared to working professionals.  Lastly, one thing that motivated me to keep going were the first few successful therapy sessions I conducted, which were followed by encouraging positive feedback”.