Cultural humility can be defined as: “a practice of self-reflection on how one’s own background and the background of others impacts communication, interpersonal relationships, teaching, learning, research, creative activity, engagement in leadership, etc.” (University of Oregon Division of Equity and Inclusion, 2024). That definition is relatively vague, as cultural humility is a term utilized in…
Demystifying Psychotherapy
Demystifying Psychotherapy: What Is the Essence of Psychotherapy?
A dizzying array of theories, modalities, and approaches makes up the vast field of psychotherapy. Humans have counseled, supported, and reassured other humans since the dawn of humanity. We are social beings who are not only capable of extraordinary empathy, but also derive comfort and joy from meaningful connection. The formal discipline of psychotherapy was…
Demystifying Psychotherapy: What Are Ruptures in Psychotherapy and How to Deal with Them?
The client-therapist relationship ideally offers a sense of safety, allows for vulnerability, and creates space for exploration. Your relationship with your therapist is unique and evolving because, just as in all relationships, human beings bring both tangible and intangible qualities to every interaction. Some people’s chemistry meshes better than others. Sometimes you find someone who…
Demystifying Psychotherapy: I’ve Decided to Give Psychotherapy a Try, Now What?
You’ve decided to try psychotherapy! This is a huge step that is worthy of celebration. After making this decision, you might find yourself wondering, “Ok, now what?” This article is meant to be a general guide to build knowledge and awareness. In providing clarity around beginning psychotherapy, I hope to lessen any feelings of anxiety…
Demystifying Psychotherapy: How to Know If It Is Time to End Psychotherapy and What Does the Process Entail?
In this installment of the Demystifying Psychotherapy series, I discuss the process of ending psychotherapy. Saying goodbye to your therapist is ideally an intentional and gradual chapter in your psychotherapy which has its own set of goals and outcomes. Let’s explore the many questions and issues involved. The nearly universal question: How long will therapy…
Demystifying Psychotherapy: How to Get the Most Out of Psychotherapy
In this part of our Demystifying Psychotherapy series we will be exploring what happens at the beginning of psychotherapy, and how to get the most out of your experience. Psychotherapy is an investment in yourself and your future. It is not a quick fix, or a one-size-fits-all approach. Psychotherapy takes time, commitment, energy, effort, and…
Demystifying Psychotherapy: What Is Psychotherapy and Why Try It?
Over the next few weeks, we will share articles with the aim to demystify psychotherapy. As therapists, we often hear our clients say that the hardest step for them was reaching out, scheduling the initial appointment, and sitting with uncertainties such as what will happen once they meet with the therapist and how will therapy…
