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At Carolina Counseling Services (CCS), contractors have the unique opportunity to see their clients on a standing basis, a practice that is highly encouraged. Research by Norcross and Lambert (2019) highlights that developing a strong therapeutic relationship is a key predictor of successful treatment outcomes.
As a clinician, it’s essential to recognize the significance of the step your clients are taking by sharing their most personal thoughts with a stranger. It’s not easy for clients to open up, and understanding this is crucial to building trust. Often, clients will come to therapy with specific concerns, but they may hold back more intimate thoughts until they feel safe enough to share them. Building this trust takes time and patience.
In the early stages of therapy, many clients focus on surface-level concerns. Sometimes this is a conscious choice, but other times it’s unconscious. It’s their way of testing the waters, seeing if they can trust you with their deeper struggles. As the therapeutic relationship grows, clients become more comfortable, and their defenses begin to lower. Over time, you’ll find that the relationship evolves, allowing you to guide them through more complex and meaningful aspects of their lives.
The longer you’re able to work with a client, the more opportunities you have to witness and support their personal growth, helping them navigate life’s challenges with your guidance. By fostering a strong, trusting relationship, you’re giving your clients the foundation they need to open up and experience true healing.
