What is your opinion of a therapist who tells you what to do?
If you’re having a panic attack in front of me, I know what to do to help stop the agony, but you’ll need to follow my instructions and let me help, which is up to you. I will always ask your permission before jumping in.
I have a high opinion of a therapist who can help people in that way, or can help them get safe when they don’t know what to do or where to turn, like a person who is severely abused emotionally and physically on a daily basis by a spouse — I’ll suggest going to a shelter or other safe place.
Except in emergencies like that, we tend not to tell people what to do, but instead help them figure it out for themselves.
Like teaching a person to fish rather than just slipping them a Semi-Speckled Scombrini Mackerel with cooking instructions.
There are plenty more stories and insights on how therapy works in Get the Most From Your Therapy, a friendly, practical guide to the experience.
