Why should I care about Theoretical Orientations?

Most people seeking therapy wind up with someone who was recommended to them by a friend, doctor or another practitioner. One may also use factors like location and price to choose a therapist. But there are other factors such as theoretical orientation which influence how the therapist is going to work with you. Few clients actually call up a prospective therapist and ask what theoretical orientation they use – almost none of my clients did.

Therapy isn't a one-size-fits-all solution, and that's where theoretical orientations come in. There are numerous approaches, each offering unique perspectives and strategies for helping individuals navigate their mental health journey.

Imagine you have a toolbox, and each toolbox has different kinds of tools inside. Just like that, therapists also have different toolboxes called "theoretical orientations." These toolboxes are filled with different tools or ideas and ways to help people feel better. Some therapists may use toolboxes that help them understand why people behave the way they do, while others may use toolboxes to help people change their thoughts or learn new skills.

Each toolbox is like a special way of looking at and helping people. So, when someone talks about theoretical orientations in therapy, they are talking about different ways that therapists can help people using different tools and ideas. It's like having many different toolboxes to choose from to help fix different problems.

In essence, these toolboxes or theoretical orientations in therapy refer to the frameworks, approaches, or models that therapists use to understand and address psychological issues. These orientations provide a set of guiding principles and assumptions about human behavior, the nature of psychological problems, and the process of change.

Before starting therapy, it might be useful to take the time to understand different theoretical orientations and their implications. This knowledge allows you to make an informed decision about the therapist you choose, ensuring a better fit and a higher likelihood of success.

Why should I take the therapist’s theoretical orientation into consideration?

The toolbox and tools your therapist uses have a significant impact on what your journey of therapy will look - everything from what you will do in the hour of therapy each week to how long therapy will last is influenced by theoretical orientation. It’s important to pick a theoretical orientation or toolbox that you feel best aligns with your goals, your values and the type of work you want to do in the therapy hour.

Consider the following example: A 25 year old client has poor self esteem and wants to seek therapy. Based on whether she chooses a psychodynamic therapist or a Cognitive behavioural therapist, therapy will look quite different.

Even for the same concern, the focus of therapy, the conceptualization by the therapist and even the techniques used in the session may be quite different. If you are seeking therapy to explore past experiences and understand the root causes of an interpersonal pattern, but the therapy sessions primarily focus on reframing thoughts or working on behaviour change, you may not have the experience you were hoping for. This mismatch between your expectations and the therapeutic approach can lead to dissatisfaction and may even make you feel that therapy is not suitable for you.

That's why it's crucial to consider the theoretical orientation of the therapist when choosing therapy. Selecting a theoretical orientation that aligns with your needs, concerns, and expectations can increase the likelihood of a positive therapeutic experience. It ensures that the therapist's approach is effective for your specific concern and matches what you envision therapy to be like. This alignment enhances the chances of achieving the outcomes you desire and creates a better overall therapy experience.

How should I decide which orientation works for me?

Choosing the right theoretical orientation for you is an important decision that can greatly impact the therapeutic process. Here are some considerations to help you pick a theoretical orientation that aligns with your needs:

1. Reflect on Your Goals: Clarify your goals and what you hope to achieve through therapy. Are you seeking symptom relief, personal growth, improved relationships, or understanding the root causes of your difficulties? Different theoretical orientations emphasize different aspects of therapy, so it's essential to choose an orientation that aligns with your objectives.

2. Research and Educate Yourself: Take the time to research and learn about different theoretical orientations. This will give you a better understanding of each orientation's core principles, techniques, and assumptions. It can help you identify which orientations resonate with you and match your values and beliefs.

3. Seek Recommendations and Referrals: Reach out to trusted sources, such as friends, family members, or healthcare professionals, who may have experience with therapy. They might be able to recommend therapists who specialize in specific theoretical orientations. Additionally, therapists often talk about their theoretical orientation or approach to therapy on their about me page.

4. Consider Your Preferences: Think about the therapeutic style and approach that would make you feel most comfortable and supported. Do you prefer a more structured and directive approach, or would you rather have a therapist who emphasizes empathy, active listening, and collaboration? It's essential to find a therapist whose therapeutic style matches your preferences and fosters a strong therapeutic alliance.

5. Discuss with Potential Therapists: Before committing to therapy, consider having initial consultations or phone calls with potential therapists. Use this opportunity to ask about their theoretical orientation, how they approach therapy, and their experience in working with clients who have similar concerns to yours. This will allow you to gauge their compatibility with your needs and determine if their approach resonates with you.

6. Be Open to Flexibility: While choosing a theoretical orientation is important, remember that therapy is ultimately about finding a therapist who is skilled, empathetic, and responsive to your needs. Sometimes, therapists may integrate multiple theoretical orientations or adapt their approach based on the individual client. So, be open to flexibility and prioritize finding a therapist with whom you feel comfortable and supported.

Ultimately, the most important factor is finding a therapist who is competent, compassionate, and attuned to your specific needs, regardless of their theoretical orientation. The therapeutic relationship and your ability to connect and trust your therapist are crucial elements for successful therapy outcomes.

To read about two major schools of thought under which most theoretical orientations are nestles and to read snippets about a few approaches to help make your decision, read our blog post called "The Approaches".