Everybody experiences the fear of judgement. However, these emotions shouldn’t be associated with therapy. While taking the first step can be a challenge, you’ll soon find that therapists offer neutral advice and guidance. I believe it's best to have an initial consultation where you can iron out any worries that you may have. If you still have thoughts at the back of your mind, let’s try and dispel them here today.

Do therapists judge their clients?

This is the most common misconception of therapy. Therapists are trained to put clients first, work to professional standards, always show respect, build an appropriate relationship with their clients, maintain integrity, and demonstrate accountability. Judging our clients would defeat the object of helping you overcome hurdles in your mind. Instead, we are here to help you overcome these issues, no matter how big, small or out of the ordinary you may think they are. Judging our clients would not only break these ethical rules that we have put in place, but it is also out of character for a therapist, especially as this type of role requires an understanding and nurturing mindset. Therefore,  judgement is completely off the table.By remaining impartial, this doesn't mean that we don't have empathy for your situation. Instead, it allows us to look at your issues in a different light and provide solutions from an outside perspective, ensuring the methods work effectively for you as an individual. A therapist's role is to understand you when others may find it difficult. However, we do this with an open mind. As a therapist with a wealth of experience, I make it my mission to help my clients feel at ease, and I do this by learning their point of view, even if it doesn’t relate to my own. A therapist only wants what's right for you, so we consider being open and trustworthy a commitment that we would never break.

Therapy is a non-judgemental space where you can open up with ease.

When you enter a therapist's office, you enter a safe space that is non-judgemental and open entirely to you and only to you. Although your therapist does make notes to better your treatment, these will always be kept private and confidential. What is said within the four walls of a session stays there, giving clients immediate peace of mind. Furthermore, in no way are any judgements made. It’s helpful to remember that we have years of experience in our sector; therefore, we have had clients confide in us about absolutely anything and everything. And each time, we always treat our clients with the utmost respect and compassion.

How do therapists make their clients feel comfortable?

Do you want to know how therapists like myself make our clients feel at ease in the therapy setting? Here’s exactly how:

Acceptance, genuineness and empathy are key.

Non-judgemental listening comes from acceptance, genuineness and empathy. Acceptance involves respecting your feelings, experiences and values for what they are. Genuineness is where we show authenticity in our guidance and responses. Finally, Empathy lets us place ourselves in your shoes to ensure that we truly understand the challenges you face. By implementing all of these skills into our sessions, we can listen non-judgmentally and then respond to your concerns as effectively as possible.

Therapists are unbiased and remain impartial.

Remaining impartial and unbiased removes our ability to judge. As we are unbiased, we are fair. As we are impartial, we will not be directly involved in your situation and able to give a fair opinion or decision. There's a well-known concept called 'unconditional positive regard' by which the therapist keeps the client's actions separate from their being. This allows us to provide self-growth development tips and also remember that everybody’s actions can be understood.

Therapists are there to help.

Your therapist is there to do their job, which is to help you. We aim to help you overcome your difficulties; therefore, there is no room for passing judgement. Therapists genuinely care about their clients. We come from an empathetic standpoint while still staying professional, meaning we always maintain boundaries. This gives us an advantage as clients are more willing to confide in somebody that they know cares.

It stays between you and them.

As previously mentioned, anything you discuss with a therapist is kept strictly confidential unless there is significant concern for either your welfare or that of others. This will be discussed with you in the initial assessment session. Therapy isn’t a place for gossip, nor is it a place for breaking trust. To make you feel even more welcome and at ease, your therapist won’t discuss your name or anything you share with them outside of their office. Everything you say is kept between you and them, as it should be. Not only is this common decency and an ethical guideline, but it ensures clients feel able to open up fully, which helps to speed up their recovery.Therapy offers a non-judgemental and safe space where you can freely express your thoughts and feelings with somebody that you can trust. As a person-centred counsellor based in Warrington, Cheshire, I have a wealth of experience in helping all my clients find the right solutions for them - while making them feel welcome and protected at all times. So if you would like to learn more about how I work - or if you would like to book a session - please visit my website and let's get you on the road to recovery.