Therapist's Role in Providing Emotional Safety and Care

Entering therapy with the expectation of feeling cared for can sometimes feel like a stretch. Many clients seek therapy for specific reasons—be it managing anxiety, dealing with trauma, or improving mental health. This article delves into the nuances of a therapist’s role in fostering emotional safety and care, particularly through practical examples and specific actions. Whether it is the therapist’s initiative or the client’s request, these elements play a crucial part in creating an environment where clients feel safe to express themselves.

Why Therapy?

Some individuals enter therapy to understand the therapeutic process better. They often want to know the mechanisms behind how therapy is supposed to help. Unfortunately, this quest for understanding can sometimes lead to frustration when therapists, who may already be working within a busy schedule, are unable to provide straightforward answers. It’s not uncommon for therapists to respond with, “I don’t know,” which can indeed raise questions about their training and expertise.

Emotional Safety in Therapy

The core of therapy lies in creating an environment where clients feel safe enough to express their emotions, experiences, and challenges. In some sessions, a therapist might provide a physical and emotional sense of security through actions that are tailored to the client’s needs.

Physical and Emotional Comfort

Imagine a scenario where a therapist notices a client, Alissa, struggling to talk about a traumatic memory. Instead of facing her therapist, who might be too intimidating, Alissa faces away while crying. In such moments, the therapist might simply say, “Oh, Alissa, come here.” This simple phrase is often enough to initiate a sequence that helps Alissa find comfort and release her emotions.

The therapist would then gently guide Alissa to fall back into their arms. In these moments, the therapist shows a profound understanding of their client’s needs. The therapist ensures they are ready to catch her before she falls, embodying a sense of care and support. As an example, a session might go something like this:

Scenario Example: On one occasion, Alissa came in with an old Christmas picture where she had a black eye. Instead of focusing on the physical issue, the therapist first began with a comment that recognizes Alissa’s younger self: “Is that you? You were so cute.” This gentle reminder can sometimes help Alissa begin to open up more. When Alissa then narrates her past experience of being in a dangerous situation, the therapist steps in with a compassionate response, using a voice of regret and empathy: “Oh, Alissa. Come here.”

Physical Touch and Comfort

Alissa’s therapist provides a physical and emotional comfort that mirrors the soothing effect of a weighted blanket. He holds her, crossing his arms over her back and shoulders, pressing gently but firmly. This physical contact is not just a comforting gesture; it’s a practical way to help someone with a history of physical trauma feel secure. The therapist waits for Alissa’s body to relax under this touch, ensuring he does not force her into discomfort.

Promoting Relaxation and Trust

For Alissa, Myofascial Release can be a challenging process. At times, Alissa would tense up, making it hard for the therapist to manipulate her body freely. In response, the therapist would gently remind her: “I’ve got you. You’re okay, safe, alright, fine, good. Don’t tense up. Just relax. Just let go. Let your body go limp.” This enables Alissa to let go of her tension, allowing the therapist to work more effectively. However, the therapist is careful to ensure that Alissa’s comfort and consent are always respected. He reinforces this with his clear instructions: “If you start to feel uncomfortable or want me to stop for any reason at any point, just tell me and I’ll stop. Okay.”

Building a Therapeutic Bond

The therapist’s role does not stop at comforting physical touch. They actively build a bond with their clients, fostering a sense of safety through consistent, supportive interactions. For Alissa, her therapist made it clear that he cared about her well-being, asking how she felt every week and checking in on her.

Moreover, the therapist’s calm demeanor played an essential role in Alissa’s relaxation. When she felt overwhelmed, her therapist would remain calm, helping Alissa to mirror this calmness in her own body. This physical and emotional mirroring can be a powerful tool in building trust and creating a safe space.

Unspoken Bonds of Care

Alissa’s therapist went beyond the therapeutic relationship to show her a deeper level of care. This care was evident in subtle, yet meaningful ways. For instance, the therapist would often hug Alissa gently and tightly, but for a short duration, always calibrating the touch with Alissa’s comfort level. In his office, there was a black and white picture of Alissa from 4th grade, proudly showing off her future aspirations to be a stay-at-home mom. This picture hung in his office, serving as a constant reminder of his commitment to her care and support.

Conclusion

Therapy is a journey where emotional safety and care are paramount. These elements are not just words but concrete actions that therapists take to support their clients. They use physical touch, verbal affirmations, and a careful calibration of their presence to ensure that their clients feel safe and cared for. Whether it is an initiative by the therapist or a request from the client, these actions contribute significantly to the healing process.