Imagine you’ve chosen to attend therapy; you’re pouring your heart out during the session, trusting that you can share your vulnerabilities. However, instead of feeling heard and supported, you sense a disconnect in the therapist’s response. Would you feel comfortable opening up further in such a situation?

Now, envision a different scenario. You confide in a therapist who listens attentively, responds thoughtfully and genuinely shows interest in your well-being. This experience feels different, doesn’t it?

This highlights the power of genuineness in therapy.

As a mental health professional, I believe genuineness is not just desirable but a fundamental therapeutic tool. It enables me to connect with clients on a deeper level, fostering trust and creating a safe space for exploration and growth. Therapist genuineness, to me, means being real—meaning what we say rather than saying what sounds good or what the client would like to hear.

Often, when starting in the mental health field, we are filled with questions, constantly mindful of not wanting to compromise the client’s experience and adhering to what we’ve learned. However, it’s crucial to realise that we must be human first, getting to know our clients, fostering deeper connections, understanding their experiences and facilitating their healing journey. This balance between applying our knowledge and allowing space for genuine connection is vital.

Genuineness is a crucial quality for therapists. It doesn’t require perfection or having all the answers; instead, it’s about being present, authentic and transparent in the therapeutic relationship. It means being real and acknowledging our limitations, saying things like, “I don’t have all the answers, but I’m here to support you in finding them.” Genuine therapists may respectfully disagree with clients, showing their individuality and avoiding presenting themselves as all-knowing experts.

When a therapist is genuine, clients sense it. They feel a connection, understanding that the therapist truly comprehends and mirrors their emotions. This builds a sense of safety, empowering clients to open up more freely, even about difficult experiences and emotions.

Consider this example: if a client expresses anger towards a family member, a genuine therapist might acknowledge their frustration by saying, “It sounds like you’re feeling very hurt and angry. It’s okay to feel that way.” This simple act validates the client’s emotions, creating a safe space for exploration and paving the way for positive change. In simpler terms, the therapist establishes an environment where clients can feel safe to be themselves, guiding them towards healing and personal development.

Genuineness may also involve judiciously sharing personal experiences to connect with clients. This is done ethically, ensuring the client’s story remains the focus and professional boundaries are maintained. For instance, if a client shares a fear of public speaking, the therapist might say, “Public speaking can be nerve-wracking, I used to get anxious before presentations too.” This simple disclosure shows empathy, validates their feelings, and normalises the client’s experience.

In summary, the decision to seek therapy is deeply personal. If contemplating this step, remember: you deserve a space where you can be seen, heard and understood. Seek support that resonates with you, someone who embraces genuineness and creates a space for exploration and growth. On this journey, vulnerability becomes strength and self-discovery paves the way for a brighter future.