Alexandra KordosiCounselling Psychologist / Psychotherapist (MA.,BSc.)

What does the Psychotherapeutic Process entail?

As a prerequisite for therapy, the person who seeks therapy must have a clear psychotherapeutic request. This means, that the person who seeks therapy, is aware, at least to some extent, of his need of receiving professional help. It is not possible for a friend, a family member, or someone else, to see the psychotherapist on behalf of the person in need. The psychotherapist's role does not entail persuading the person that he / she needs help. Rather the person in question should have a basic understanding of his need for help, even though he is not clear about the specific factors that make him vulnerable, or about the specific ways in which psychotherapy can help. It is therefore important, for the person who seeks therapy, to make an active effort in finding and contacting a therapist himself / herself. Of course, in therapy with children and young adolescents it is probable that the family will be involved, especially in the initial process. For adult clients however (that do not suffer from a severe mental health disorder), their autonomy and free will should be respected at all times.

The psychotherapeutic process begins with an arranged initial meeting at the psychologist's office. What is very important in this first meeting, is for the client to expresses his / her main issues and concerns and to feel understood and empathized by the therapist. If this basis is achieved, then therapist and client can move in forming a therapeutic contract – a verbal agreement about the basic therapeutic goals and the conditions that are appropriate to the therapy situation. Therapist and client will mutually agree on the frequency of their contact (usually once a week for 50-60 minutes), the duration of therapy (12 sessions usually is the minimum duration, but most often therapy is open-ended and can be reexamined at any point), fees and payment method and anything else that is important for both parties to clarify in advance (before working together). The client can collect information about the therapist’s qualifications or about any other queries, he / she may have.

In the process of therapy, the client is encouraged, at his own pace, to express his deeper concerns and possibly, to share with the therapist information that has never shared before with anyone else. The therapist's role is primarily to be a good listener (we should not take for granted that we are heard every time we speak to someone!) and then to alleviate the client's distress through his interventions. The therapist will promote a deeper insight on the client's problems and will aid him in feeling accepted and understood. The client will be provided with a space to consider alternative ways of coping with his issues and ultimately will be encouraged to try out such alternatives. Every therapist – client relationship is unique and therefore the process of therapy is specific to the match that emerges from the individual personalities of both parties.