Navigating the dynamics between your communication preferences and your therapist's professional approach can be challenging, but it's essential to maintain open and honest communication in the therapeutic relationship. Here are some steps you can take to address this situation:
Discuss your preferences: Start by having an open conversation with your therapist about your communication needs. Explain that you find it helpful to express certain thoughts or feelings in writing between sessions. Let them know that it's not about avoiding the session but rather a way for you to process your emotions effectively.
Explain your reasons: Be clear about why written communication is valuable to you. For example, you might find it easier to organize your thoughts in writing, have time to reflect before sharing, or feel less overwhelmed when expressing complex emotions in written form.
Acknowledge the therapist's perspective: It's important to understand and respect your therapist's professional approach, which may be based on evidence-based practices or therapeutic principles. Let them know that you understand their preference for discussing feelings during sessions and that you are willing to work with them to find a balance.
Find a compromise: Together with your therapist, explore potential compromises that could meet both of your needs. For instance, you could agree to write down your thoughts and bring them to the session to discuss together. This way, you have a chance to express your feelings in writing while still engaging in the therapeutic process during the session.
Journaling: If your therapist is still hesitant about you sharing written thoughts between sessions, consider keeping a personal journal to express your feelings and thoughts. While it won't be the same as discussing them with your therapist, it can still be beneficial for your self-reflection and emotional processing.
Ask for exceptions: If there's a specific time-sensitive issue or a significant event you'd like to share outside of sessions, respectfully ask your therapist if they would be willing to make an exception in those cases.
Consider exploring underlying feelings: Reflect on why expressing feelings between sessions is important to you. Is there a fear or discomfort related to discussing them in person? Exploring these underlying emotions with your therapist can be helpful in understanding your needs better.
Consider finding a new therapist (if necessary): If you find that the communication style mismatch significantly hampers the therapeutic process, you may want to explore finding a therapist who aligns more closely with your communication preferences.
Remember, therapy is a collaborative process, and both you and your therapist should be willing to work together to create a supportive and effective therapeutic relationship. By expressing your needs and listening to your therapist's perspective, you can find a solution that works best for both of you.