Katie M Kissel

LISW

I think it is important to know that as the client in counseling you determine what happens in counseling. if you don't feel a connection with the therapist you can request a change, if the approach the therapist is using doesn't appear to work you can bring attention to this, if you don't feel like the things you want to address are being addressed you can identify that. At the end of the day the counseling is for the benefit of the client and a therapist's role is to facilitate therapy for the benefit of the client.

My personality is usually very direct, empathetic, and laid back and my approach to therapy is much the same. I identify patterns or concerns I might observe from the client to the client, I speak directly and plainly about topics presented in therapy, I am empathetic with my clients, and I am relatively laid back in that I try to create a calm, welcoming, and comfortable vibe through therapy.

Ultimately, I think success is defined by the client but I also recognize that clients can struggle to see their own progress and successes. To me success in therapy looks like change, trying new approaches to solve or address concerns, exploring areas where change might be needed, and less distress in day to day life. Client's will know they are making progress by how they engage in treatment, by learning new things, trying new things, and experiencing a decrease in symptoms or an increase in management of symptoms. Client's will also know they are making progress when they feel better equipped to handle situations that they may have felt they were unable to do in the past.