You comply with all of what the therapist says.
You ask questions if you don't understand.
You do your homework conscientiously. And remember to bring it back to the next session.
You tend to be Axis 1. And not a hassle at all.
You want to change.
You have clear goals for therapy.
You are able to identify your automatic thoughts. And challenge them.
You are willing to put in the effort required for therapy. In and out of session.
You do some things even before we decide to engage in them.
You are the type we read about as examples in books by other psychologists.
It's a shame that in reality, you are few and far between.
But to that one perfect client I get among every 500 or so imperfect ones...you remind me of why I chose this line of work.
You help me see that change is possible when there aren't other extraneous factors or personality factors hindering it.
You help me see that cognitive-behaviour therapy is in fact evidence-based. And with the right type of client such as you, it is a breeze.
I just wish there were more of you!
But I guess if that were the case, I wouldn't value you as much as I do.
Until next time,
Cheers!!!
Very true, if everything in our lives were perfect, we wouldn't appreciate them as much. This was very insightful and interesting to read as I have an interest in psychology, it's so wonderful to hear the viewpoint of someone who knows what they're talking about.
ReplyDeleteThats true.. without the bad, we'd never appreciate the good as much would we? Haven't been around in a while so catching up on all your posts now :)
ReplyDelete:) It's always that way, isn't it? When we have a lot of something, we tend to take it for granted and not see the real value :). Anyway, wish you get a few more of these perfect clients :)
ReplyDeleteLOL...oh and that mean I'm fit for therapy :P whenever I will require :P
ReplyDeleteA little out of my league as not being a professional therapist. But I can understand the feeling behind this post...I guess it is an overwhelming sense of relief to get one perfect patient...
ReplyDeleteI hope I am right in my deduction :)
So true :)
ReplyDeleteAnd maybe if everyone was like that..you would not enjoy what you do as much..you would not be challenged as much..you would not grow in the field you love as much..
ReplyDeleteI guess the last line says it all!!! Perfect ppl are rare to find hang on to them when you get one ;-)
ReplyDeleteYou're right...we can extend this to all aspects of our lives. It's nice to hear you are interested in psychology...keep reading given that I do write a lot about work related stuff. =P
ReplyDeleteLong time no see! That's why we enjoy treats and little luxuries when you are working your arse off other times... =)
ReplyDeleteYes! Oh I just have one teenager at the moment that's like this and she made me realise how few of these kinds of clients I've had and how much I long for them. 3 sessions on and she's already getting better! =D
ReplyDeleteHaha! We'll let your therapist decide that ;)
ReplyDeleteYes you are! As I mentioned to Titaxy, I currently have a girl that's totally on board and in 3 sessions she has started showing marked improvement in her presenting problem...and it just made me long for more clients like her...
ReplyDelete=)
ReplyDeleteTrue. I probably would not learn how to deal with the challenging clients...and grow as you mentioned! =D
ReplyDeleteLol...well, I'd love to hang on to this client but I think she may actually get better soon...
ReplyDeleteoh o :( I thought whenever I require a therapist it'll be you :(
ReplyDeleteI find the 2nd line a great goal, but funny at the same time. From what I've heard, people rarely like to actually follow advice.
ReplyDelete-Hey, I have this problem!
-Here's a solution!
-Thanks!
The End.
I just find it funny that people seek help, but then neglect to follow up. It's like when people just think about eating well. They're more likely to eat worse because they feel good just thinking about eating well. Apply to any situation involving self-restraint.
"I just find it funny that people seek help, but then neglect to follow up."
ReplyDeleteTell me about it! I always wonder about that...even people that pay and see someone privately sometimes don't do everything they can to help themselves! Makes me wonder why spend the money in the first place. It's almost as though attending is good enough and will somehow make them better. However, if they go to the doctor, they do take meds and get better....not just by talking to the doctor! Oh well...