Reflections After Therapy Sessions: A Therapist's Perspective

Every therapist may have a unique set of thoughts reflecting on a therapy session. Whether it was a good or bad day, what comes to mind after the therapy session concludes can vary widely. This article explores the common experiences and reflections of therapists following each therapy session.

Immediate After Thoughts and Actions

As soon as the session concludes, therapists often have several immediate tasks and thoughts on their minds. They might consider having a few moments to pee or record notes about the session. Other times, they might need to ground themselves for the next session. Reflecting on the session, some therapists might think about how it went, but these reflections are often reserved for the end of the day. This varies greatly based on the therapist and the nature of the session.

Personal Reflections and Mental Grounding

For some therapists, especially those who are their clients' last patients of the day, the thought of spending extra time with a client can be personally rewarding. Therapists might imagine that their clients' minds stay with them longer, preventing the next client from causing any disruption. However, there is no proof to support this and it is purely a personal belief.

Mental and Emotional States Post-Sessions

The state of mind a therapist is in during the session can significantly impact their reflections. In this context, several common states and reflections after therapy sessions are outlined:

Need to Use the Restroom: It's not uncommon for a therapist to feel the urge to use the restroom, as evidenced by the phrase, "GOD I need the loo!" Administrative Tasks: A therapist might need to quickly make phone calls, address messages, or book an extra supervision session, as seen in the phrase "Ugh best make that phone call quickly… JESUS how many messages". Personal Fulfillment: A therapist may take pride in the progress their client has made, but recognizes that the credit belongs to the client for their own efforts. Phrases like "Wow what a turnaround from last week" or "Does THAT need to go to supervision" reflect these thoughts. Reflection and Supervision: Post-session, a therapist typically spends time reviewing notes and reflecting on the session. The phrase "Must remember to take that to supervision" highlights the importance of sharing insights and challenges with a supervisor.

Dealing with Personal Reflection and Ego

A therapist's reflection on a session is not a win-or-lose situation and does not involve judging the session as happy or sad. A therapist's ego should not influence their work. Reflecting on the client's good outcomes is a positive, but it is crucial to not take credit for them. The client's efforts and choices are central to their progress, as noted by the phrase, "I can’t take credits. I give all due to the client who has seen fit to lift themselves out of the depression or whatever brought them to therapy."

Conclusion

In conclusion, a therapist's reflection post-session is an important part of their professional practice. It ensures they have the necessary documentation, review their performance, and seek professional guidance when needed. The focus remains on the client's well-being and progress, rather than on the therapist's personal satisfaction or ego.