Clinical Working With Clients

The videos and readings for this week were quite valuable in revealing the many aspects of clinical work with clients. The Norcross (n.d.) video emphasized the significant role that the therapist must play in the client’s life. My primary focus in clinical work with each client must be unique. People will be coming to me for help, support, and techniques designed to begin to know and understand themselves better. Clients will be putting their trust in me by opening up and sharing their stories. It is fundamental to me as a therapist to engage with clients and make a difference in their lives. Norcross (n.d.) explains that treatment manuals can be helpful for research and training, but when you ask clients what they attribute their success in psychotherapy to, a majority will say

He is attentive when discussing that psychotherapy is “not like a medical model where he is the expert dispensing advice or medication” (Norcross, n.d.). He further explains that psychotherapy is the collaboration between the therapist and the client working together to set goals. His introduction was organized well. He is open with his clients while further explaining to them that he will occasionally ask, with their permission, three questions: “How is the client doing regarding their symptoms and goals? How does the client feel therapy is going for them? How are we doing?” (Norcross, n.d.). These are team playing questions that will not only encourage clients but can also let them know that their openness is appreciated. Goldstein, Miehls, & Ringel (2009) also reiterated the importance of building healthy relationships with clients. The first chapter presented a real understanding of how the quality and strength of a collaborative relationship, paired with empathy and genuineness, is so vital to a therapeutic relationship with future clients (Goldstein et al.,