Client: “I have so much anxiety and it just gets in my way w…

Client: “I have so much anxiety and it just gets in my way with everything. I feel like I suck at my job because anytime I am in a meeting or talking to clients I am so anxious that I mess up my words or start to sweat and turn red. Its just so embarrassing.” Therapist: Was there ever a time in your life when talking ot clients or presenting in meetings was easier for you? On a scale of 1-10 how much would you say this problem is affecting you? What kind of therapist is this?    

Client is observed tapping her foot excessively while she is…

Client is observed tapping her foot excessively while she is talking about her mom’s tragic death. She says “you just get rocked to your core. you just lose your faith in everything. you just want to give up.”   Therapist says: “You use the word “you” quite a bit. But really this is not about me so try saying that back but I want you to use the word “me.” That feels different, right? Now look at your foot. What is it doing? Can you do more of that? Make it bigger?” What kind of therapist is this?

Client: “I just can’t stand my sister. She is so hateful and…

Client: “I just can’t stand my sister. She is so hateful and spiteful. Its like she wants to ruin my life. Every single thing I do she wants to ruin or ridicule me for. Why does she hate me so much?” Therapist: “Well of course it feels that way. That’s the lens in which you filter all your interactions with her. Everything she does you are looking at as though she is trying to hurt you. What if you try looking at the situation through a different lens? Like what if she in fact feels insecure because she feels like she will never be half as successful as you are. You might feel more sad for her than angry.” What kind of therapist is this?