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  • Writer's pictureEmily Popoff

Do you wish your therapist would give you more advice?

Do you wish your therapist gave you more advice? If you've ever pondered this question, you're not alone. Many individuals seek concrete solutions when engaging in therapy. However, the truth is that therapists often refrain from providing excessive advice, and for good reason.

  1. Facilitating Self-Discovery: Therapy is a journey of self-discovery, where individuals learn to explore their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in a safe and non-judgmental environment. By withholding excessive advice, therapists encourage their clients to tap into their own inner wisdom. This process empowers individuals to gain a deeper understanding of themselves, fostering personal growth and long-lasting change.

  2. Promoting Autonomy and Empowerment: The primary goal of therapy is to help individuals develop the necessary skills to navigate life's challenges independently. Rather than providing immediate solutions, therapists guide their clients to explore various perspectives and consider alternative approaches. By doing so, therapists empower individuals to become active participants in their own healing process, fostering autonomy and self-reliance.

  3. Fostering Emotional Resilience: When facing difficult situations, it is crucial to develop emotional resilience. Therapists understand that real growth occurs when individuals learn to cope with challenges and setbacks on their own. By allowing clients to navigate their emotions, make decisions, and find their unique paths forward, therapists contribute to the development of valuable emotional resilience. This resilience not only benefits individuals in therapy but also extends to their lives beyond the therapeutic setting.

  4. Encouraging Personal Ownership and Accountability: Receiving direct advice from a therapist might temporarily alleviate distress, but it does not address the underlying issues. Therapists strive to create an environment where individuals take ownership of their choices and actions. By refraining from offering solutions, therapists encourage clients to reflect on their experiences, take responsibility for their decisions, and explore the consequences of their actions. This process instills a sense of accountability, leading to meaningful personal growth.

  5. Supporting Long-Term Change: Therapy is not a quick fix or a temporary solution. The purpose of therapy is to facilitate lasting change and personal transformation. When therapists withhold excessive advice, they enable individuals to work through their challenges in a more comprehensive and holistic manner. By delving deep into the roots of behaviors and patterns, therapy allows individuals to address underlying issues and make sustainable changes that extend far beyond the therapy room.

In a society that often seeks quick answers and immediate solutions, therapy provides a unique space for self-exploration, growth, and healing. Your therapist's decision to refrain from giving too much advice is a deliberate and thoughtful approach aimed at empowering you to discover your own solutions, develop resilience, and foster long-term change. Embrace the opportunity to take an active role in your therapeutic journey and trust in the process. Remember, the greatest transformations occur when you uncover the answers within yourself.


Book a session with one of our skilled therapists today:

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Emily Popoff, RCC, Owner- Kootenay Women's Counselling & Wellness

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