My Ideal Client Profile
Please note that I am not accepting new clients at the moment, past clients will be placed on a wait list until an appointment time becomes available. Past clients must still complete a new contact form
The picture in the upper left hand corner is of my therapy dog Molly (and no.....dogs are not my ideal clients). That being 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, while also finding ways to heal from all forms of trauma from relational trauma to sexual violence and health issues and everything in between. 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 relationship 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 that:
My Ideal Relationship clients 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, while also finding ways to heal from all forms of trauma from relational trauma to sexual violence and health issues and everything in between. 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 relationship 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 that:
- Understands the 90/10 law, whereby 10% of the healing work can be achieved during counselling sessions, while the remaining 90% is more likely to be 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; watching the movies and listening to the podcasts on the movies, podcasts and more page.
- Has an open mind and is willing to stretch, take risks, and try new things.
- Arrives to appointments with an agenda and takes notes regarding: homework.
- 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 adapt the material covered in counselling in a way that is right for them.
- Appreciates the process of personal growth and post-traumatic growth.
- Values physical, emotional, and spiritual health.
- Understands the importance of regular appointments and provides at least 48-hours notice to cancel or re-schedule an appointment and 72 hours notice for appointments scheduled on Mondays.
- Has read and agrees to abide by my fees and cancellation policy: Fees/Cancellation/Subsidies (giseleharrison.com)
- 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 6-9 months.
My Ideal Relationship clients are people who embody the characteristics above and who are willing to:
- Abide by the fees and cancellation policy on this website: Fees/Cancellation/Subsidies (giseleharrison.com).
- 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.
- Is attending to improve their relationship rather than to assign blame.
- Agrees to develop calming skills to avoid being activated by their partner during sessions.
- Values direct and honest feedback from me.
- Discuss sex, finances, religion, values, beliefs, past trauma.
- 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 6-9 months.
