My Ideal Client Profile
The picture in the upper left hand corner is of my therapy dog Molly (and no.....dogs are not my ideal clients). That said, I did choose this picture of Molly playing tug of war, because it shows the tenacity and commitment required to find peace and liberation through counselling.
Therapy can be a very powerful and effective way to find meaning, depth, and purpose in living. Since the therapy relationship is of utmost importance it is important to find a therapist that you "click" with. Someone you can trust with intimate information about your outer and inner world.
Because the client/therapist relationship is so important and since we may be spending considerable time together, below are some of the qualities I believe make up my "ideal client". I made one list for individual counselling and another for couples counselling. I would like to suggest that you make a list of qualities for your "ideal therapist" and compare your list to mine to see if we would be compatible. If you think we would be a good match and you have also read my fees and cancellation policy - please contact me to schedule an appointment.
My Ideal Client is someone who:
My Ideal Couples are people who embody the characteristics above and who are willing to:
Therapy can be a very powerful and effective way to find meaning, depth, and purpose in living. Since the therapy relationship is of utmost importance it is important to find a therapist that you "click" with. Someone you can trust with intimate information about your outer and inner world.
Because the client/therapist relationship is so important and since we may be spending considerable time together, below are some of the qualities I believe make up my "ideal client". I made one list for individual counselling and another for couples counselling. I would like to suggest that you make a list of qualities for your "ideal therapist" and compare your list to mine to see if we would be compatible. If you think we would be a good match and you have also read my fees and cancellation policy - please contact me to schedule an appointment.
My Ideal Client is someone who:
- Understands the 90/10 LAW, whereby 10% of the healing work is achieved during counselling sessions, while the remaining 90% is achieved by you in between appointments. The 90% is achieved by completing assigned homework; incorporating one or more of the 10 Great Coping Strategies (found on this website); eating well; exercising; and getting enough sleep.
- Has an open mind and is willing to stretch, take risks, and try new things.
- Can let me be the coach.
- Is self-motivated to make lasting change.
- Values direct and honest feedback from me.
- Will provide me with honest and direct feedback about me and the counselling process.
- Is willing to use the material covered in counselling in a way that is right for them.
- Appreciates the process of personal growth.
- Values physical, emotional, and spiritual health.
- Understands the importance of regular appointments and provides at least 24-hours notice to cancel or re-schedule an appointment and 72 hours notice for appointments scheduled on Mondays.
- Will engage in a self-care practice that may include all or part of the tools outlined in the "10 Great Coping Skills" link found on this website.
- Commits to weekly/bi-weekly sessions for a minimum of 3-6 months.
My Ideal Couples are people who embody the characteristics above and who are willing to:
- Identify and give up losing relationship strategies that include: being right; controlling your partner; unbridled self-expression; retaliation; and withdrawing
- Consciously replace losing strategies with winning strategies that include: asking for what you want; complaining constructively; listening and responding generously; empowering one another; and cherishing what you have.
- Take a serious look at their self-esteem and whether their esteem "on a bad day" is more shame based or more based in grandiosity.
- Take a serious look at their boundaries to determine if "on a bad day" they become boundaryless or more walled-off.
- Learn new skills to improve relational self-esteem and boundaries that contribute to a happier relationship.
- Commit to weekly or bi-weekly sessions for a minimum of 3-6 months.
