Preferences in Therapy

This document serves to better understand what a client can expect from a particular therapist. The scores that therapists set themselves when filling out their profiles should result from the therapeutic direction in which they practice therapy, taking into account their personality and preferences in their way of working.

Based on six opposing preferences, clients can envision the therapist’s approach and more easily choose the one that best suits their needs. The numbers in the text (from 1 to 6) represent points, with only the extreme categories being described.

The document focuses on the following categories:

• present vs. past,
• session length,
• holistic or specifically focused approach,
• verbosity,
• spirituality,
• role of therapist - directiveness

Present vs. Past

• 1 point – Therapists who tend to focus on the present and future believe that even though we cannot change the past, we can change our approach to it and how we perceive it. The goal is to help clients define their goals, what they would like to achieve, and what is important to them. These therapists support clients in focusing on current experiences and steer their attention away from being overly focused on the past. They often use techniques such as constructive questions, gratitude training, and mindfulness to help clients better concentrate on the present and future planning.
• 6 points – Therapists consider past experiences an integral and essential part of current experiencing. They tend to use techniques such as early memories which help clients to reframe their past narrative and find greater meaning and peace in it. This approach often involves detailed exploration and analysis of past events and their impact on current problems. It is typical for analytical or dynamic therapists who put great emphasis on childhood and adolescence, focusing on deep understanding of past experiences and their influence on the client’s current experience.

Session Length

• 1 point – Therapists who approach this part of the scale use techniques focused on quickly and effectively solving specific problems. Their approach is short-term and intense, allowing clients to quickly improve their condition and achieve specific results. These therapists often propose short-term interventions that focus on quickly identifying and resolving issues, which can be very motivating and refreshing for clients. Of course, even these therapists can offer long-term cooperation, but the most urgent topics are dealt with as a priority and within a set time frame.
• 6 points – Therapists who approach this part of the scale believe in the value of long-term sessions that allow for deeper work and lasting changes in the client's life. They use deep therapy techniques that address complex emotional and psychological layers. Their approach includes thorough analysis and gradual work on long-term changes, which can provide clients with a sense of understanding and lasting progress.

Holistic or specifically focused

• 1 point – Therapists who focus on a holistic approach take into account all aspects of clients' lives, including physical, emotional, and social health. Their sessions often discuss broader contexts and relationships between different areas of a client's existence. This approach promotes an overall improvement in the client's quality of life and helps them find balance and harmony. Therapy focuses on the overall personal growth and development of the client, while striving to understand and work with their individual needs and values.
• 6 points – Therapists who focus on solving specific problems specialize in identifying and solving specific symptoms that the client is experiencing. Their sessions are structured and focused on specific issues, such as specific types of phobias or psychological disorders diagnosed by another specialist. This approach is suitable for clients who are clear that other areas of their lives are satisfactory, but they are troubled by one specific problem that they need to solve. Psychologists focus on alleviating or eliminating specific symptoms, which brings clients relief and a clear way forward.

Verbosity

• 1 point – An approach that focuses on verbal methods uses conversation as the main tool of therapeutic sessions. This approach helps clients identify problems and find solutions through verbal expression through dialogue. Open communication and verbal interaction are key to the therapeutic process, which can bring the client a sense of understanding and closeness. Psychologists with this approach believe that verbal exchange of opinions and thoughts is the basis of effective therapy.
• 6 points – An approach that integrates non-verbal methods and techniques includes art therapy, music therapy, or body therapy. These techniques help clients express feelings and thoughts that may be difficult to verbalize. This approach focuses on using various forms of self-expression and body work to achieve therapeutic goals, which can be very liberating and healing for the client. Psychologists using this approach create an environment where the client is allowed to work with emotions and experiences through non-verbal means.

Spirituality

• 1 point – These psychologists accept the spiritual level of a person but tend to focus more on directly describable and tangible topics, prefer to rely on scientific knowledge and exclusively use evidence-based methods. This type of psychologist focuses on solving specific psychological problems without incorporating spiritual or religious aspects. For clients who prefer a secular approach, this style of therapy is clear and understandable, allowing a focus on problem-solving through scientifically backed methods.
• 6 points – Psychologists who integrate spirituality into their practice consider spiritual beliefs and values to be an important part of the therapeutic process. Such psychologists also take into account the client's spiritual and religious side, which may include techniques such as meditation, spiritual exercises, or mindfulness. This approach is suitable for clients who are spiritually oriented and expect the psychologist to respect and consider this dimension of their personality, creating an environment where these aspects are integrated into therapy.

The Role of the Psychologist – Directiveness

• 1 point – Psychologists with a directive approach actively guide the client during sessions. They ensure that clients have a clear plan and specific steps to help them tackle their issues. This style of therapy is suitable for clients who need clear guidance and specific strategies to solve their problems. Psychologists with a directive approach provide structure and clarity, which can be very helpful in quickly achieving goals.
• 6 points – Psychologists with a non-directive approach give clients maximum space for self-expression and reflection. Sessions are focused on creating a safe and supportive environment where the client can freely share their thoughts and feelings without pressure for immediate answers or solutions. This approach is suitable for clients who need to be heard and who need to formulate their thoughts before expressing them aloud. Psychologists with this approach often allow silence and reflection, helping clients delve deeper into themselves and better understand their internal processes.

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Notice:
In the article, we use the terms "psychologist" and "psychologists" for easier flow of the text, including specialists of all genders. We value the work of all male and female psychologists and likewise appreciate their contribution to mental health.