Author: Silvi Saxena, MBA, LSW
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Factors Influencing Therapeutic Alliance
Building and maintaining a strong therapeutic alliance is a complex process shaped by multiple interrelated factors. The factors influencing therapeutic alliance include characteristics of the therapist, the client, and the broader context in which therapy takes place. This article offers a comprehensive overview of the primary factors that influence the therapeutic alliance, organized into therapist-related,…
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Best Books on Motivational Interviewing
Formulated on the basis of research conducted by William R. Miller and Stephen Rollick, Motivational Interviewing is an evidence-based, goal-directed, client-directed approach to mobilizing a client’s internal motivation to change. Empathically driven, MI works through and beyond ambivalence without confronting or evading it. MI integrates synergistically with the vast majority of treatment modalities, Cognitive-Behavioral, Acceptance…
/
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What is the Disinhibition Effect in Online Counselling Therapy?
The online disinhibition effect is a psychological effect whereby people are more honest, frank, or passionate about themselves within online communities than they would be face-to-face. Therapeutically, this is expressed when clients are surprisingly relaxed sharing confidential, even intimate information within the first phases of the relationship, or when they email emotionally charged messages between…
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Confidentiality in Counseling: A Cornerstone of Trust and Ethics
Confidentiality is one of the most essential elements in the practice of counseling, serving as both a legal obligation and an ethical commitment. At its core, confidentiality ensures that personal information shared by clients during therapy sessions is not disclosed without their consent. This principle not only protects the privacy of individuals but also creates…
/
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Therapeutic Alliance in Psychoanalysis & Psychoanalytic Treatment
In the world of psychoanalysis, the therapeutic alliance is more than just a professional bond—it is the crucible for emotional growth, self-discovery, and psychic integration. Rooted in mutual respect, a shared commitment to the process, and the capacity to withstand emotional turbulence, the alliance in psychoanalytic therapy creates a unique space where the unconscious can…
/
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What is a Therapeutic Rapport?
At the heart of every effective therapeutic relationship lies a subtle yet powerful force: therapeutic rapport. This connection between therapist and client goes beyond friendliness or professional courtesy—it is the foundation upon which trust, openness, and transformation are built. Whether therapy is short-term or ongoing, whether addressing trauma, anxiety, identity, or relationships, therapeutic rapport influences…
/
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Trust and Respect in Therapeutic Relationship
Trust and respect form the core architecture of any therapeutic relationship. Without these foundational elements, even the most sophisticated therapeutic approaches will fall short. Trust allows clients to feel emotionally safe, while respect honors their autonomy, identity, and lived experience. These are not simply nice-to-haves—they are non-negotiables for meaningful therapeutic work. Whether therapy is brief…
/
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Therapeutic Relationship in CBT
Therapeutic relationship in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) refers to the professional, cooperative bond between therapist and client that facilitates therapeutic change. Unlike some psychodynamic approaches that emphasize transference or deep emotional exploration, CBT focuses on a collaborative and goal-oriented alliance. The therapist acts as a coach or guide, working with the client to understand and…
/
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Emotional Intelligence in Counselling
Emotional Intelligence (EI) is highly essential in counseling because it informs the level of empathy the counselor displays towards patients and also shapes the therapy experience for the client. The realization and understanding of one’s own emotions and the aptitude to appropriately respond to other people’s emotions is EI. While a therapist operates in a…
/
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A Therapist’s Guide to the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10)
The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) is a psychological instrument to assess the degree to which individuals perceive situations in their lives as stressful. Rather than focusing on specific life events or objective stressors, the PSS measures a person’s subjective experience of stress. This makes it especially useful in therapeutic settings where a client’s emotional interpretation…
/
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A Therapist’s Guide to the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES)
The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) is one of the most widely used and trusted tools for measuring self-esteem. For therapists, it serves not only as a diagnostic aid but also as a springboard for deeper conversations and goal setting within the therapeutic process. Self-esteem is a foundational element of emotional well-being and psychological resilience. It…
/
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A Therapist’s Guide to the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale
The Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) is a standardized, evidence-based assessment tool developed to help clinicians identify the severity and immediacy of suicidal ideation and behaviors in clients. Originally developed through a collaboration between Columbia University, the University of Pennsylvania, and the University of Pittsburgh, it has since become one of the most widely…
/
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What is Strength-Based Therapy?
Strength-based therapy is a client-focused model that aims to identify and build on an individual’s strengths, capacities, and resources to foster personal growth and resilience. In contrast to more conventional problem-centered models of therapy, which seek to identify and repair deficits, the strength-based model invites clients to identify their current strengths and use them as…
/
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Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ)
The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) is a widely used behavioral screening tool that helps identify emotional and behavioral problems in children and adolescents. It was developed by British child psychiatrist Dr. Robert Goodman to provide a concise yet comprehensive overview of a young person’s mental health. It captures both strengths and challenges across multiple…
/
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Legal Risks of Poor Documentation, and how Therapists can Protect Themselves
Documentation is a key component of therapeutic practice and ethical professional practice. Therapists have an obligation to keep comprehensive, up-to-date, and accurate session records with their clients. Poor documentation exposes therapists to the risk of lawsuits such as malpractice action, complaints with licensing boards, and denial of claims. This piece explains the legal ramifications of…
/
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How to Start a Therapy Session as a Therapist (Tips from Experienced Therapists)
Starting a therapy session effectively sets the tone for the entire conversation. A well-structured and thoughtful opening can create a safe space for clients, fostering trust and openness. Whether you are a new therapist or looking to refine your approach, these insights from experienced therapists can help you navigate those first crucial minutes. 1. Ground…
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10 Best Trauma-Informed Therapy Trainings for Therapists
Trauma-informed therapy is a key intervention in mental health treatment that allows therapists to deliver safe, empathetic, and effective therapy to clients with trauma. Being a trauma therapist, keeping up with the finest training programs can make your job better and enhance your knowledge further on how trauma affects the body and mind. Below are…
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Treatment Plan for Couples Therapy (with Examples)
Couples therapy is a structured way of helping partners navigate relationship problems, improving communication, and reestablishing closeness. A clearly defined couples therapy treatment plan serves as a guide to therapy, offering guidance for sessions and progress monitoring. It helps couples and therapists stay goal-oriented when addressing specific problems that arise in the relationship. Assessment and…
/
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Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS)
The Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) is a widely used clinician-administered tool for assessing the severity of depression. Developed in 1979 by Stuart Montgomery and Marie Åsberg, the scale was designed to be more sensitive to changes in depressive symptoms than earlier instruments, such as the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS). Purpose and Significance of the…
/
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Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS)
The Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale is a structured interview used for diagnosing and assessing symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in those who have been exposed to traumatic events. CAPS, developed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for PTSD, is considered the gold standard for diagnosing and assessing the severity of PTSD. Its clinical…
/
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Person Centered Therapy Techniques & Examples
Person-centered therapy (PCT) is a type of psychotherapy developed by Carl Rogers which focuses on creating safe and supportive environments where all individuals can explore their feelings. The emphasis of this approach is on the therapeutic relationship between clients and their therapists, who offer a source of understanding, acceptance and empathy. PCT is an empowering…
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Persistent Depressive Disorder Treatment Plan
Persistent Depressive Disorder, or PDD, formerly termed dysthymia, is a chronic subtype of depression which, if left untreated, persists for at least two years in adults and one year in children or adolescents. Whereas Major Depressive Disorder, or MDD involves severe and episodic depressive episodes, in PDD the depressing symptoms are of longer duration, lower…
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Crisis Intervention Techniques & Examples
Crisis intervention is a short term therapeutic approach to help clients deal with emergency or traumatic situations. Usually these emergencies are mental health related and involves taking steps to assist in the moment, bring the client to safety, reassess current needs and plan for future treatment. Crisis intervention techniques can support individuals through their hard…
/
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Transference vs Countertransference: How do they Differ?
Transference and countertransference are natural occurences in therapeutic relationships. Transference happens when a client projects their emotions onto the therapist, and countertransference happens when a therapist projects their reactions onto the client. Transference happens more commonly when clients feel safe and comfortable to open up and share parts of themselves and countertransference happens less frequently…
/
-
Factors Influencing Therapeutic Alliance
Building and maintaining a strong therapeutic alliance is a complex process shaped by multiple interrelated factors. The factors influencing therapeutic alliance include characteristics of the therapist, the client, and the broader context in which therapy takes place. This article offers a comprehensive overview of the primary factors that influence the therapeutic alliance, organized into therapist-related,…
/
-
Best Books on Motivational Interviewing
Formulated on the basis of research conducted by William R. Miller and Stephen Rollick, Motivational Interviewing is an evidence-based, goal-directed, client-directed approach to mobilizing a client’s internal motivation to change. Empathically driven, MI works through and beyond ambivalence without confronting or evading it. MI integrates synergistically with the vast majority of treatment modalities, Cognitive-Behavioral, Acceptance…
/
-
What is the Disinhibition Effect in Online Counselling Therapy?
The online disinhibition effect is a psychological effect whereby people are more honest, frank, or passionate about themselves within online communities than they would be face-to-face. Therapeutically, this is expressed when clients are surprisingly relaxed sharing confidential, even intimate information within the first phases of the relationship, or when they email emotionally charged messages between…
/
-
Confidentiality in Counseling: A Cornerstone of Trust and Ethics
Confidentiality is one of the most essential elements in the practice of counseling, serving as both a legal obligation and an ethical commitment. At its core, confidentiality ensures that personal information shared by clients during therapy sessions is not disclosed without their consent. This principle not only protects the privacy of individuals but also creates…
/
-
Therapeutic Alliance in Psychoanalysis & Psychoanalytic Treatment
In the world of psychoanalysis, the therapeutic alliance is more than just a professional bond—it is the crucible for emotional growth, self-discovery, and psychic integration. Rooted in mutual respect, a shared commitment to the process, and the capacity to withstand emotional turbulence, the alliance in psychoanalytic therapy creates a unique space where the unconscious can…
/
-
What is a Therapeutic Rapport?
At the heart of every effective therapeutic relationship lies a subtle yet powerful force: therapeutic rapport. This connection between therapist and client goes beyond friendliness or professional courtesy—it is the foundation upon which trust, openness, and transformation are built. Whether therapy is short-term or ongoing, whether addressing trauma, anxiety, identity, or relationships, therapeutic rapport influences…
/
-
Trust and Respect in Therapeutic Relationship
Trust and respect form the core architecture of any therapeutic relationship. Without these foundational elements, even the most sophisticated therapeutic approaches will fall short. Trust allows clients to feel emotionally safe, while respect honors their autonomy, identity, and lived experience. These are not simply nice-to-haves—they are non-negotiables for meaningful therapeutic work. Whether therapy is brief…
/
-
Therapeutic Relationship in CBT
Therapeutic relationship in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) refers to the professional, cooperative bond between therapist and client that facilitates therapeutic change. Unlike some psychodynamic approaches that emphasize transference or deep emotional exploration, CBT focuses on a collaborative and goal-oriented alliance. The therapist acts as a coach or guide, working with the client to understand and…
/
-
Emotional Intelligence in Counselling
Emotional Intelligence (EI) is highly essential in counseling because it informs the level of empathy the counselor displays towards patients and also shapes the therapy experience for the client. The realization and understanding of one’s own emotions and the aptitude to appropriately respond to other people’s emotions is EI. While a therapist operates in a…
/
-
A Therapist’s Guide to the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10)
The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) is a psychological instrument to assess the degree to which individuals perceive situations in their lives as stressful. Rather than focusing on specific life events or objective stressors, the PSS measures a person’s subjective experience of stress. This makes it especially useful in therapeutic settings where a client’s emotional interpretation…
/
-
A Therapist’s Guide to the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES)
The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) is one of the most widely used and trusted tools for measuring self-esteem. For therapists, it serves not only as a diagnostic aid but also as a springboard for deeper conversations and goal setting within the therapeutic process. Self-esteem is a foundational element of emotional well-being and psychological resilience. It…
/
-
A Therapist’s Guide to the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale
The Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) is a standardized, evidence-based assessment tool developed to help clinicians identify the severity and immediacy of suicidal ideation and behaviors in clients. Originally developed through a collaboration between Columbia University, the University of Pennsylvania, and the University of Pittsburgh, it has since become one of the most widely…
/
-
What is Strength-Based Therapy?
Strength-based therapy is a client-focused model that aims to identify and build on an individual’s strengths, capacities, and resources to foster personal growth and resilience. In contrast to more conventional problem-centered models of therapy, which seek to identify and repair deficits, the strength-based model invites clients to identify their current strengths and use them as…
/
-
Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ)
The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) is a widely used behavioral screening tool that helps identify emotional and behavioral problems in children and adolescents. It was developed by British child psychiatrist Dr. Robert Goodman to provide a concise yet comprehensive overview of a young person’s mental health. It captures both strengths and challenges across multiple…
/
-
Legal Risks of Poor Documentation, and how Therapists can Protect Themselves
Documentation is a key component of therapeutic practice and ethical professional practice. Therapists have an obligation to keep comprehensive, up-to-date, and accurate session records with their clients. Poor documentation exposes therapists to the risk of lawsuits such as malpractice action, complaints with licensing boards, and denial of claims. This piece explains the legal ramifications of…
/
-
How to Start a Therapy Session as a Therapist (Tips from Experienced Therapists)
Starting a therapy session effectively sets the tone for the entire conversation. A well-structured and thoughtful opening can create a safe space for clients, fostering trust and openness. Whether you are a new therapist or looking to refine your approach, these insights from experienced therapists can help you navigate those first crucial minutes. 1. Ground…
/
-
10 Best Trauma-Informed Therapy Trainings for Therapists
Trauma-informed therapy is a key intervention in mental health treatment that allows therapists to deliver safe, empathetic, and effective therapy to clients with trauma. Being a trauma therapist, keeping up with the finest training programs can make your job better and enhance your knowledge further on how trauma affects the body and mind. Below are…
/
-
Treatment Plan for Couples Therapy (with Examples)
Couples therapy is a structured way of helping partners navigate relationship problems, improving communication, and reestablishing closeness. A clearly defined couples therapy treatment plan serves as a guide to therapy, offering guidance for sessions and progress monitoring. It helps couples and therapists stay goal-oriented when addressing specific problems that arise in the relationship. Assessment and…
/
-
Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS)
The Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) is a widely used clinician-administered tool for assessing the severity of depression. Developed in 1979 by Stuart Montgomery and Marie Åsberg, the scale was designed to be more sensitive to changes in depressive symptoms than earlier instruments, such as the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS). Purpose and Significance of the…
/
-
Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS)
The Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale is a structured interview used for diagnosing and assessing symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in those who have been exposed to traumatic events. CAPS, developed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for PTSD, is considered the gold standard for diagnosing and assessing the severity of PTSD. Its clinical…
/
-
Person Centered Therapy Techniques & Examples
Person-centered therapy (PCT) is a type of psychotherapy developed by Carl Rogers which focuses on creating safe and supportive environments where all individuals can explore their feelings. The emphasis of this approach is on the therapeutic relationship between clients and their therapists, who offer a source of understanding, acceptance and empathy. PCT is an empowering…
/
-
Persistent Depressive Disorder Treatment Plan
Persistent Depressive Disorder, or PDD, formerly termed dysthymia, is a chronic subtype of depression which, if left untreated, persists for at least two years in adults and one year in children or adolescents. Whereas Major Depressive Disorder, or MDD involves severe and episodic depressive episodes, in PDD the depressing symptoms are of longer duration, lower…
/
-
Crisis Intervention Techniques & Examples
Crisis intervention is a short term therapeutic approach to help clients deal with emergency or traumatic situations. Usually these emergencies are mental health related and involves taking steps to assist in the moment, bring the client to safety, reassess current needs and plan for future treatment. Crisis intervention techniques can support individuals through their hard…
/
-
Transference vs Countertransference: How do they Differ?
Transference and countertransference are natural occurences in therapeutic relationships. Transference happens when a client projects their emotions onto the therapist, and countertransference happens when a therapist projects their reactions onto the client. Transference happens more commonly when clients feel safe and comfortable to open up and share parts of themselves and countertransference happens less frequently…
/