When I meet a client for the first time, I try to make them feel comfortable. I am a Christian and if they wish to discuss religion then we do. I have about 20 post grad credits in Art Therapy plus a BFA with a concentration in ceramics. In my private practice and before moving to TX and going 100% remote, I used art to help client's express their feelings. I have many years of grief and loss training through a local hospice along with personal experience that includes pregnancy loss, pet loss, parental loss (Adult Orphan), and cancer.
I have also previously used therapeutic worksheets from Therapist Aide for CBT, stress, anxiety, depression and ADHD. Most clients have been grateful for being given the information sheets because it gives them something tangible that they can refer to if they forget what we talked about in our session. I have found that being a support person for a client, helps them increase their self esteem. When a client's self esteem has increased, they are more confident in their abilities and feel successful in their counseling experience. Those positive feelings that a client has increased, are carried with them in their daily lives and they are able to cope in a healthier way the next time life throws them a curve ball.
