The Responsibility Of The Patient In Psychotherapy
In recent years, thanks to the increase in dissemination around mental health and emotional well-being, psychological therapy is beginning to be normalized as an invaluable option for self-care. However, some stigmas still persist around therapeutic processes that make them seem to many people to be “miraculous” situations in which the therapist has all the responsibility.
Psychotherapy is not a passive process in which the therapist helps the patient heal. On the contrary, it requires active and committed participation of the individual seeking help. This active role manifests itself in different ways. First of all, the patient must be honest and open about his thoughts, emotions, experiences and experiences. Without this transparency, the therapist cannot get a complete picture of the situation and therefore cannot offer the best possible help.
Additionally, the patient is responsible for putting into practice the strategies and techniques learned during the sessions. This involves doing “homework” between sessions, such as reflection exercises, changing habits, or applying new coping skills to everyday situations. Real progress occurs outside of the office, in the patient’s daily, everyday life.
In this article, we will focus on understanding the responsibility that the patient has when starting a psychotherapy process and how this commitment is a protective and enhancing factor for this healing.
The active involvement of the patient in the psychotherapy processes brings numerous benefits that significantly enhance the effectiveness and temporal stability of the treatment. In this section we are going to review some of the main benefits that taking an attitude committed to therapeutic progress can have:
First, a patient committed to therapy and change tends to experience faster and longer-lasting results. By fully engaging in the process, the individual accelerates his progress and encourages the consolidation of positive changes to be more effective.
2. Greater self-awareness
Additionally, patient engagement fosters greater self-awareness. As the patient actively participates in his therapy, he develops a deeper understanding of his thought patterns, emotions, and behaviors. This introspection is essential for personal growth and long-term problem solving.
3. Therapeutic alliance
Commitment also strengthens the therapeutic alliance, which is defined as the bond that is generated throughout therapy between the patient and the therapist. A strong therapeutic relationship is associated with better outcomes and greater satisfaction with treatment. Likewise, an engaged patient tends to develop more robust self-regulation skills, which allows them to better manage their emotions and face future challenges with greater resilience.
4. Empowerment and control
Finally, active engagement in psychotherapy often results in a greater sense of empowerment and control over one’s life, essential elements for lasting mental health.
Common Obstacles to Engagement
Despite the obvious benefits of engaged patient responsibility in psychotherapy, many patients face obstacles and difficulties that jeopardize their full commitment to the therapeutic process itself. Next, we will outline some of the most common obstacles in this type of situation.
1. Stigma
One of the most frequent problems is the stigma associated with mental health and therapeutic processes. Many people are afraid of being judged for seeking help, which may lead them to minimize the importance of their treatment or avoid openly sharing their experiences.
Lack of time or energy when facing all the day-to-day responsibilities is another common impediment. In a fast-paced world, many patients struggle to prioritize their therapy over other responsibilities, which can result in inconsistent attendance or lack of dedication between sessions.
3. Fear of change
Fear of change can also hinder commitment. Confronting difficult emotions or modifying ingrained patterns of behavior can be intimidating, leading some patients to unconsciously resist the therapeutic process.
4. Unrealistic expectations
The generation of unrealistic expectations constitutes another problem for therapeutic commitment. Some patients expect immediate and quickest results, and become discouraged when progress is gradual. which can decrease your motivation and commitment.
5. Lack of connection
Finally, a lack of connection with the therapist can be a significant impediment. If the patient does not feel understood or comfortable, he is less likely to fully engage in the process.
Strategies to promote patient responsibility
There are different strategies that both patients and therapists can implement to promote greater engagement in psychotherapy. Below, we will describe some of the most useful strategies that can be carried out to develop greater commitment to therapeutic processes.
1. Clear goals
First, it is essential to establish clear and achievable goals from the beginning of the treatment process. This provides concrete direction and allows the patient to come to visualize her progress little by little, thus increasing her motivation.
2. Psychoeducation
Psychoeducation also plays an essential role. When patients understand the therapeutic process and the rationale behind their treatment, they are more likely to become more actively involved. Therapists can provide educational materials and explain the reasoning behind the techniques used.
Encouraging self-monitoring is another effective strategy. Encouraging patients to journal their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors between sessions can increase their awareness and responsibility in the change process.
4. Active collaboration
Active collaboration in treatment planning can also increase commitment. Involving the patient in making decisions about the therapeutic approach and tasks between sessions promotes a sense of ownership over her recovery.
5. Review routine
Establishing a routine of regularly reviewing progress is equally important. This allows treatment to be adjusted as necessary and achievements, no matter how small, to be celebrated, thereby reinforcing patient motivation.
Patient responsibility in psychotherapy is essential to achieve significant and lasting changes. An active commitment, which includes honesty, participation and implementation of strategies, enhances the therapeutic process. Overcoming obstacles and fostering collaboration with the therapist are key to achieving her emotional well-being.
