The natural instinct for most therapists is to try to connect with clients, making them feel heard and understood as they share their deepest problems and emotions. But what if we approached the healing process from a different angle? Would we see different or more effective results?
Courtney Armstrong—a trauma therapist who incorporates several creative techniques into her work—suggests approaching sessions with the question, “Where do I want to take the client?,” in mind. By focusing on the healing path you want to take them on, rather than trying to deeply understand their issues, you open yourself up to a whole new range of therapeutic techniques.
Watch this clip to hear her talk about a specific client she saw who needed guidance more than she needed understanding.
Rich Simon
Richard Simon, PhD, founded Psychotherapy Networker and served as the editor for more than 40 years. He received every major magazine industry honor, including the National Magazine Award. Rich passed away November 2020, and we honor his memory and contributions to the field every day.
Courtney Armstrong
Courtney Armstrong, LPC, MHSP, is a Board Certified Fellow in Clinical Hypnotherapy and has trained thousands of mental health professionals in creative, brain-based strategies for healing trauma. She’s a bestselling author of the book, The Therapeutic “Aha!”: 10 Strategies for Getting Clients Unstuck and Transforming Traumatic Grief and is the owner/director of Tamarisk: A Center for Mind-Body Therapy in the state of Tennessee.
