Edge of the Couch

The therapeutic hour is such a unique space in which full attention is dedicated to the client. As clinicians, we are all set to really centre the client in the conversations and skill-building. We want to know all about that singular person and we want them to take up the space for their hour. Not only do they pay for that time, but it’s also a sacred practice of singular attention that is unlike many other aspects of our clients lives.But what happens in the moments when the client isn’t prioritizing themself? How do we intervene if we notice the client is telling lots of stories about other people? When we lose the client in their stories, what do we do next? Is it still therapy if clients are always talking about other people?Alison McClearywww.alpenglowcounselling.com@alpenglow_counselling on InstagramJordan Pickellwww.jordanpickellcounselling.ca@jordanpickellcounselling on InstagramEdge of the Couchwww.edgeofthecouch.com@edgeofthecouchpod on InstagramWe have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign up.Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch or share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram @edgeofthecouchpod, email at connect@edgeofthecouch.com, or voice note at speakpipe.com/edgeofthecouch.We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign up.Alison McClearywww.alpenglowcounselling.com@alpenglow_counselling on InstagramJordan Pickellwww.jordanpickellcounselling.ca@jordanpickellcounselling on InstagramEdge of the Couchwww.edgeofthecouch.com@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram

The big question this week is about whether clients owe us the truth. We believe that as therapists, we are always working from the foundational assumption that clients are telling us the truth. We listen and believe their stories, offering reactions to whatever is present at any given time. Even if we are getting partial truths, stories without specific details, or we are hearing a fabrication, our empathy and curiosity are unaffected.Alison McClearywww.alpenglowcounselling.com@alpenglow_counselling on InstagramJordan Pickellwww.jordanpickellcounselling.ca@jordanpickellcounselling on InstagramEdge of the Couchwww.edgeofthecouch.com@edgeofthecouchpod on InstagramWe have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign up.Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch or share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram @edgeofthecouchpod, email at connect@edgeofthecouch.com, or voice note at speakpipe.com/edgeofthecouch.We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign up.Alison McClearywww.alpenglowcounselling.com@alpenglow_counselling on InstagramJordan Pickellwww.jordanpickellcounselling.ca@jordanpickellcounselling on InstagramEdge of the Couchwww.edgeofthecouch.com@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram

In this podcast, the hosts discuss the controversial topic of therapists being selective with their clients, exploring the importance of defining ideal clients based on population, theoretical approach, and presenting concerns. They also discuss the issue of competence when working with diverse populations and the importance of recognizing when additional training is necessary. The speakers emphasize the need to avoid stigmatization of certain mental health disorders and the role of supervision in determining client fit.

As new therapists, we are often exploring what we like, how we want to speak, what our approach really is. And as such, we may adopt an approach that we think fits with our theoretical orientation (“this is probably how an AEDP therapist does therapy”). This week’s episode is all about how to hold our theoretical orientation in mind as a framework while allowing ourselves to develop our own unique styles.Alison McClearywww.alpenglowcounselling.com@alpenglow_counselling on InstagramJordan Pickellwww.jordanpickellcounselling.ca@jordanpickellcounselling on InstagramEdge of the Couchwww.edgeofthecouch.com@edgeofthecouchpod on InstagramWe have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign up.Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch or share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram @edgeofthecouchpod, email at connect@edgeofthecouch.com, or voice note at speakpipe.com/edgeofthecouch.We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign up.Alison McClearywww.alpenglowcounselling.com@alpenglow_counselling on InstagramJordan Pickellwww.jordanpickellcounselling.ca@jordanpickellcounselling on InstagramEdge of the Couchwww.edgeofthecouch.com@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram

Lots of the conversations about being a therapist are heavy and that’s simply the nature of the work. We know that and we love being in the heaviness. But therapy isn’t all heaviness. As therapists, we share many moments with our clients that are sunny and joy-filled, too. This week’s episode is all about lightness, fun, and silliness being used as intentional tools in the therapy space. We explore how to use humour in sessions to deepen relationship, facilitate “coming up for air”, and because, at the end of the day, therapist and client are two real people in a room sharing an energy and sometimes stuff is just very funny. Laughter can be healing. A shared joke can make a client feel truly seen. Being silly can invite client’s to also lean into their child-like silliness. Laughing when a client makes a zinger can be such a gift!Alison McClearywww.alpenglowcounselling.com@alpenglow_counselling on InstagramJordan Pickellwww.jordanpickellcounselling.ca@jordanpickellcounselling on InstagramEdge of the Couchwww.edgeofthecouch.com@edgeofthecouchpod on InstagramWe have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign up.Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch or share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram @edgeofthecouchpod, email at connect@edgeofthecouch.com, or voice note at speakpipe.com/edgeofthecouch.We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign up.Alison McClearywww.alpenglowcounselling.com@alpenglow_counselling on InstagramJordan Pickellwww.jordanpickellcounselling.ca@jordanpickellcounselling on InstagramEdge of the Couchwww.edgeofthecouch.com@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram

In this episode, we discuss the various ways metaphor and analogy come up in therapy. We invite you to use these as tools for deepening the therapeutic relationship, deepening client understanding, and creating a shared vocabulary that you can use with each client. And we have a great time swapping stories of times that these tools have been most helpful!Alison McClearywww.alpenglowcounselling.com@alpenglow_counselling on InstagramJordan Pickellwww.jordanpickellcounselling.ca@jordanpickellcounselling on InstagramEdge of the Couchwww.edgeofthecouch.com@edgeofthecouchpod on InstagramWe have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign up.Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch or share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram @edgeofthecouchpod, email at connect@edgeofthecouch.com, or voice note at speakpipe.com/edgeofthecouch.We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign up.Alison McClearywww.alpenglowcounselling.com@alpenglow_counselling on InstagramJordan Pickellwww.jordanpickellcounselling.ca@jordanpickellcounselling on InstagramEdge of the Couchwww.edgeofthecouch.com@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram

Dive into the intricate world of parenting and therapy, exploring how childhood experiences shape adult relationships. Delve into the delicate process of estrangement and the challenges therapists face when guiding clients through these emotions. Discover the impact of cultural and historical contexts on parenting styles and the ongoing struggle for modern parents to balance discipline with empathy. Highlights include the significance of emotional expression and the importance of self-care for both parents and children in nurturing healthy relationships.

Counselors Alison and Jordan discuss the value of relational processing in therapy, examining when it might be excessive and how to navigate conversations about the therapeutic relationship. They explore the significance of feedback, communication dynamics in relationships, and the complexities of client-therapist interactions, emphasizing the importance of boundaries, authenticity, and open dialogue for effective therapy.

This discussion dives into the complexities of client dissatisfaction in therapy. It highlights how therapists can navigate moments when clients feel stagnant by fostering empathy and open communication. The conversation explores the significance of managing expectations and recognizing subtle progress. They also examine the impact of systemic issues like capitalism and patriarchy on personal struggles, urging a deeper understanding of emotions in therapy. The journey is portrayed as non-linear, emphasizing the importance of trust and strong therapeutic relationships.

Therapists share personal stories and insights on showing up for sessions despite personal struggles like illness, burnout, or depression. They discuss balancing well-being with client commitment, navigating mental health struggles in therapy, and the importance of empathy and authenticity in sessions. The hosts also reflect on self-care, audience appreciation, and promote connection with listeners.