When people seek therapy, they often come in overwhelmed, stuck, or desperate for relief. In this emotional state, it’s natural to want someone to tell you what to do. Many clients find themselves hoping their therapist will offer concrete advice, a clear solution, or even make decisions for them. After all, therapists are trained professionals […]

Therapy is a deeply personal experience. You’re encouraged to open up about your thoughts, feelings, past, and fears—often things you’ve never shared with anyone before. But what happens when your therapist starts sharing their own stories or emotions too often? Is it helpful, or could it be crossing a line? Self-disclosure in therapy refers to […]

If you’ve ever thought about going to therapy, you’ve probably wondered: Will this person understand me? Will they judge me? Will they try to change how I think or live? These are important questions—and the answers often come down to one thing: values. A good therapist isn’t there to tell you how to live your […]

Transference happens when a client unconsciously redirects feelings, expectations, or behaviors from past relationships onto their therapist. These are often emotions connected to early caregivers—such as parents, teachers, or important figures from childhood—but they can also come from more recent or emotionally charged experiences. For example: A client might see the therapist as overly critical, […]

In counseling and psychotherapy, the relationship between the client and the therapist is one of the most important parts of healing. This connection is known as the therapeutic relationship or therapeutic alliance. It isn’t just about being friendly or polite—it’s about building trust, respect, and cooperation so the client feels safe, heard, and supported during […]