Why Therapy Isn’t About Giving Advice

Many people start their search for a therapist with the idea that they need and/or want advice on a particular topic or challenging issue that they are facing.  Therapy isn’t actually about giving advice; it’s about helping individuals understand themselves, their feelings, and their choices more deeply.

Autonomy

Providing advice to clients could be potentially harmful, as more often than not therapists do not have all of the information necessary to make decisions that could be impactful on a person’s life.  Furthermore, this takes ownership away from an individual who has the right to make informed decisions about what might be best for them.  So you might be wondering what a therapist’s role is in helping a person if it isn’t to give them advice or tell them what decisions are right for them.  

Exploration of feelings and existing patterns 

One of the most important aspects of the therapeutic process is giving someone a safe space to explore their thoughts and feelings without judgment.  It is this foundational element of therapy that provides an individual a unique opportunity to examine their feelings within the context of a trusting relationship.  It is a therapist’s job to make objective observations regarding recurring challenges that are discussed throughout the course of treatment.  You might think of it as the therapist having the benefit of a “birds eye view”  that allows us to see things in a different light. It is this with this unique perspective that we can highlight existing patterns, behaviors and relationships that may be contributing to ongoing challenges.  Therapists are trained to help clients explore the themes that may be contributing to negative thoughts, unhealthy coping skills, and/or poor decision making skills.  

Empowerment

Throughout treatment, therapists ask open-ended questions and offer feedback, which allows clients to uncover their own answers.  This encourages personal growth and independence with the goal of helping a person learn to trust themselves and develop skills that can be used outside of the therapy room.  Ultimately, our job is to help you understand yourself through a collaborative relationship that encourages reflection and empowers you to make your own decisions related to your health and well-being.