When a therapist asks, "What do you need from me?" or "Is there a way I can support you?", it can be an opportunity for you to express your thoughts and preferences about the therapeutic process. Here are some appropriate and expected responses you can consider:
Be honest about your feelings: If you feel uncertain or have reservations about something in the therapy process, it's okay to share those feelings. For example, you might say, "I sometimes feel overwhelmed and need more time to process my thoughts" or "I'm not sure if I'm comfortable discussing certain topics yet."
Clarify your goals: If you have specific objectives or areas you want to work on in therapy, you can communicate those to your therapist. For instance, you might say, "I'd like to focus on building coping strategies for anxiety" or "I want to work on improving my communication in relationships."
Express preferences about therapeutic approach: Some people have preferences regarding the therapeutic approach or techniques used. If you have a particular preference or have found certain methods helpful in the past, it's okay to share that information.
Discuss your communication style: You can let your therapist know how you prefer to receive feedback or support. For example, you might say, "I respond well to gentle encouragement" or "I prefer direct feedback."
Address concerns about the therapeutic relationship: If you feel that something is not working well in the therapist-client relationship, it's important to talk about it. This could include discussing issues of trust, rapport, or communication.
Request more or less guidance: Therapists often tailor their level of involvement based on their clients' needs. If you feel you need more guidance or structure in therapy, or if you'd prefer more space for self-exploration, communicate that to your therapist.
Ask for additional resources: If you feel that certain resources, such as books, articles, or self-help materials, could benefit you, don't hesitate to ask your therapist for recommendations.
Remember, your therapist genuinely wants to know how they can best support you in your therapeutic journey. There are no right or wrong answers to these questions; it's about finding what works best for you. It's okay if you don't have an immediate response. Take some time to reflect on your needs and preferences, and you can discuss them in a subsequent session if that feels more comfortable for you. Open and honest communication is vital in therapy, as it helps your therapist better understand how to assist you in achieving your goals and addressing your concerns.