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What do you consider to be your top three strengths and weaknesses as a therapist?

what are some things that you would consider to be good in a therapist? what are some traits that make them a good? why?

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Theresa’s Answer

What a great question! Oftentimes our superpowers are also our weaknesses. My strengths are 1) my capacity to connect with myself, my emotions and thoughts, 2) how well I know the therapy I deliver, DBT, and 3) my passion for the work and empathy. Conversely, my weaknesses are 1) I experience emotions deeply and need skills to regulate sometimes even with clients in sessions, 2) I can become consumed with delivering DBT adherently, clinging rigidly to the structure and miss the importance of human connection, and 3) I can sometimes overwork past my limits and treat clients like they are fragile when they are not.
Thank you comment icon Your advice was so helpful! rohan
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Judith-Ann’s Answer

Being a therapist is a wonderful career and mission in life so to speak. I believe each therapist is an individual and of course we all bring our strengths and weaknesses and history and take on life to each session. For me the greatest attributes are being a good listener, holding each client in unconditional regard, and being respectful of each clients's process. Listening without judgement is the greatest attribute. If you want to practice being a good listener, ask a friend to tell you something about themselves and then repeat back to them exactly what you heard without judgement, without interpretation, without talking about yourself. Tell your friend in advance that you are practicing listening and would they mind letting you practice. After you have completed the practice, ask yourself how it felt for you and what you learned about yourself. lt'll be fun!
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Jim’s Answer

I believe some of the things helpers struggle within the field is: 1. being unable to set healthy boundaries and define the relationship properly (it is not a friendship). 2. That they have difficulty saying "No". 3. When things don't work out well that they think they should have/could have done more, feel guilty and beat themselves up...if you can successfully work around these obstacles you can remain in the role for a long time...helping many many people....if you don't it can burn you out quickly.
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Candice’s Answer

For a psychotherapist or counselor:

Strengths

1. Listening: Knowing how to actively listen with more than your ears, but also with your eyes for nonverbal cues. Ability to show empathy for the people you deal with. When listening, not feeling sorry for others but having the ability to put yourself in the person's shoes.

2. Communication: Using words to present your observations as well as provide new knowledge without sounding condescending or like a know it all.

3. Trustworthy: Patients must have confidence in their therapist so that they are able to open up. When you are trusted it opens the door for healthy conversations. It shows commitment to an open honest relationship.


Weaknesses

1. Confidentiality: If one is unable to keep conversations & other matters private, being a therapist is not for them. It is part of he psychology code of ethics as well as HIPAA. Violations could have your license to practice terminated immediately & you could also face criminal or civil legal action.

2. Judgmental: You cannot handle a situation, especially a crisis effectively when you are being judgmental. Personal biases can be a barrier to the ability to be genuine, accepting, or act morally.

3. Boundaries: Creating boundaries with patients strengthens the stability of the therapeutic relationship. It helps assure that the relationship between the therapist and patient are not detrimental, inappropriate or too emotionally invested.
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Katherine’s Answer

The things that can make a therapist good are being ready to put others and their needs above yourself or giving/taking any thought for you and your stuff during working time; being as mentally and emotionally healthy as you can yourself, and just always keeping learning about people and common situations people deal with.

To be able to see a really great example of a guy who has some awesome strengths, and who is also as human as the rest of us and does what he can with that but isn't perfect, check out the Dr. John Delony Show where you get your podcasts or on social media. He's definitely worth learning from.
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Kaylyn’s Answer

Here are my weaknesses: 1) I experience imposter syndrome every single day. I question my qualifications, education, and training when I have no reason to do so. 2) I have trouble setting firm boundaries and saying "no" to taking on more work. 3) I find it difficult to not continue to think about troubling situation/problem even when it has already passed.

Here are my strengths: 1) I do a great job relating to the clients I work with 2) I have a flexible mindset on how therapy/counseling can occur and how the therapeutic relationship can be formed 3) I have a willingness to learn new techniques and try new approaches to problems that may arise with clients
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