More I get to know the knits and grits of my profession the more my views around therapy became Realistic ones. Apparently, this is a part of my journey that I have taken as a therapist and been learning with every session that I have had.
When I entered this field there was this notion that-
'I as a therapist knew the best for my clients as I have studied Applied, Forensic & Clinical Psychology'.
Therapy for me was based on a directive approach. That’s where I was at a miss because somewhere down the line, I was asking my clients to deal with their situations the way I do.
Belonging to a batch which was hit by COVID with literally no classes and supervision I entered the field of Psychotherapy with 'RIGHTING REFLEX' a term coined by clinical psychologists William Miller and Stephen Rollnick founders of MOTIVATIONAL INTERVIEWING.
The 'Righting Reflex' is the desire to set things straight for our clients its an impulsive act on the part of therapist which involves-
- Advising
- Instructions
- A natural tendency to 'I know the best for you, let me help you !'
The natural human tendency to want to fix any problems we see before us can be very strong, since our minds are, in essence A problem-solving machines (Russ Harris- Happiness trap.)
Carl Jung was of opinion that 'I don’t expect the people I work with in therapy to understand the words flowing through my lips' while Carl Rogers says 'A person can't teach another person directly; A person can only facilitate another's learning'. At a times when people come to us, they don't want to have a solution right away. They are there to be heard, to be understood by someone who will give them a non-judgemental and safe place to pour their heart and mind out.
It's even a huge disadvantage for therapists like-
- Getting in Expert trap
- Disappointment when client disagrees to your advices.
- Resentment towards the client for not being an agreeable person since we know the best for them. (I am your MOM or DAD)
- Leads to poor outcomes in therapy
Miller & Rollnick suggest some questions for therapists to help them deal with 'Righting Reflex' Ask yourself-
- Why would you want to make this change?
- How might you go about it in order to succeed?
- What are the three best reasons for you to do it?
- How important is it to make this change, and why?
- So what do you think you’ll do?
- Being Aware of the desire to fix, Asking clients What they already know & what ideas might they have. Most importantly Asking their permission.
What might work for you , Might not work for other person.
Thanks & Regards,
Kanishka
(Licensed Clinical & Forensic Psychologist)
We are live @mhwithkanishka.com
Looking forward to helping you Heal,Nourish and Thrive.
author : Kanishka
Clinical and Forensic Psychologist .