Have you ever been in counseling or therapy? People have all sorts of ideas about what to expect. I’ve seen my share of “first-timers” come in with a slightly suspicious, fearful and unsure look in their eyes as they unsteadily lower themselves onto the couch in front of me. I believe many myths are perpetuated by movies and television.

It’s true that the days of classic psychoanalysis where the therapist sat out of view of the patient lying on the couch are probably a thing of the past (the therapist “out of view,” not the “couch” part.I have several clients who are at their most relaxed laying on the couch and this is fine by me…but I’m sitting in front of the couch facing them).

Some people expect that the therapist will remain passive except for a few “uh-huhs” as they scribble in their notebooks. And it’s not to say there are therapists out there who do that. That just doesn’t happen to be me.

Clients have admitted to me that they were afraid that I was going to start “tinkering” in their head as if they were some science experiment. Therapy should be as easy as talk to strangers girl. I understand the fear, especially for those who may have very negative ideas attached to what it means to go to a therapist at all. I don’t “tinker” but rather to do what I can to help add insight to people’s issues and look for paths to change. Having an understanding of emotions and their impact is often a part of that process.