Anyone seeking therapy is in a vulnerable state, whether slight or extreme, and it is the responsibility of the therapist to help the client eliminate that vulnerability and replace it with a sense of empowerment, self-love and the knowledge that we no longer need to be victims, if that is how we see ourselves but can awaken the power that is already inside us.

The needs and feelings of the therapist must never take priority over those of the client, otherwise, the therapy will be compromised.  Therapists need to be willing and able to identify and process any transference issues that arise and to examine feelings and expectations about their clients and the therapy itself.  This is done through supervision, and when appropriate, with the client.

If the above conditions and behaviors do not exist or, if for any reason a therapist behaves or speaks in a manner that confuses or upsets the client, it is the clients right to ask questions or to express feelings of discomfort or pain. Hopefully, if this occurs the therapist and the client can work things through.  If, however, an impasse is reached, changing therapists is the right of the client.

By doing all of the above and more, trust will develop, and trust is vital to the process of therapy.  Once trust is achieved, it is the responsibility of the therapist to intervene and/or confront when necessary, especially if the client is in an unsafe situation or at a place where he/she is unable to be objective enough to see things clearly.

Through therapy, we can learn that we can achieve new skills and attitudes and beliefs that we can empower ourselves with new tools to cope with whatever occurs in our lives...that we can learn to know, love, respect and nurture the different parts of ourselves and our spirits and live a more mindful life.

Some other important concepts that can be learned or validated in therapy are that:

It is not what happens in our lives that determines our overall health but IT IS OUR ATTITUDE TOWARD WHAT HAPPENS THAT IS IMPORTANT

It is not who the OTHER person is or what they do or do not do but rather IT IS WHAT WE OURSELVES CAN OR CANNOT TOLERATE

Our feelings may often be mixed or conflicted and this is a natural occurrence, few situations are black and white.  These mixed feelings need to be allowed and not judged they are not good or bad or right or wrong. IT IS THE ACTION WE TAKE ON THE FEELINGS THAT COUNTS

Therapists must apply all of the above ideas and model the behaviors in order for therapy to be worthwhile.  We must act as we believe and as we speak in order to be effective therapists.

Therapy can facilitate a connection or re-connection to or validation of our spiritual lives.  And whether that spirituality is through nature, religion, music, our belief system or whatever enhances our sense of spirit, it can lead us to a more fulfilling life.

The process of therapy can be so many things - exciting, scary, joyful, painful, frustrating, fulfilling, and even fun and, if conducted appropriately, will lead to a greater sense of health, well-being and connection to ourselves, to others and to the universe.