What Therapists Expect When Asking 'What Are You Thinking Now?'

Often, during therapy sessions, therapists ask clients a simple yet powerful question: 'What are you thinking right now?' This seemingly straightforward inquiry can have deep implications and expectations from the client.

The Hidden Meaning Behind the Question

When a therapist uses this question, they are aiming to guide the client into greater awareness of the present moment. They might also be seeking additional clarity that will help them tailor the session more effectively.

Therapists may pose this question when they observe subtle shifts or changes in the client's demeanor or when they suspect something important might be happening, even if the client is not fully conscious of it.

Practical Expectations

Answering this question honestly can be challenging, especially when the mind goes blank. Here, we break down the expectations placed on clients and offer insights into the process.

Sag’s Perspective

Sag suggests that one might respond with "My mind went blank when you asked that." This response is perfectly valid and serves to acknowledge the momentary disconnection. It allows the therapist to understand that the client's thoughts might have wandered, and it provides an opportunity for exploration.

Therapists may interpret a blank response as a moment to delve deeper into the client's experience. This can involve exploring the reasons behind the mind's disconnection and strategies to prevent future occurrences or to manage the anxiety associated with sharing thoughts.

Celena Evan and Mark W Neville's View

Celena and Mark emphasize that it is acceptable to respond with nothing if that is the reality of the moment. They suggest sharing that your restless thoughts had shut down when the question was asked. This transparency can help you become more aware of your mental processes in real-time, which in turn can enhance the well-being and effectiveness of the therapy session.

By remaining aware of your thoughts and feelings, you can gradually build the skills to stay present and share your innermost thoughts with your therapist. This practice can lead to a more profound understanding of yourself and improved mental health.

A Client’s Perspective

A client not trained in therapy, like myself, might see this question as an opportunity to reconnect with the therapist. It is a prompt to become aware that one’s thoughts have wandered and to return to the present moment. It can also be useful to inform the therapist about times when one's mind goes blank, as this information can be valuable in understanding and adapting the therapeutic approach.

Expressing that one’s mind often blanks can provide insight into potential patterns or techniques that might help manage this tendency. It is essential to communicate honestly with the therapist to ensure the session is tailored to your specific needs and circumstances.

Conclusion

Therapists ask clients 'What are you thinking right now?' with the hope of fostering deeper awareness and communication. Whether your response is a blank mind, a wandering thought, or a moment of silence, these responses can become valuable tools in the therapeutic journey. By being honest and open, clients can gain a greater understanding of their own thoughts and feelings, leading to improved mental health and a more effective therapy experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why do therapists ask such questions?
A: Therapists ask these questions to guide clients towards greater awareness of their thoughts and emotions, helping them to better understand and manage their experiences.

Q: Can the mind going blank be helpful information for the therapist?
A: Yes, the therapist can use the information about moments of mind going blank to tailor the therapy to the client's specific needs and to understand patterns that might be impacting the client's mental well-being.

Q: How can answering these questions help in therapy?
A: Answering these questions can help in building the client's awareness and presence, leading to a deeper understanding of oneself and more effective therapeutic outcomes.