Matthew's Integral Therapy Blog

Harm Reduction is an often misunderstood methodology and philosophy for working with clients who might not otherwise receive services. For example, a motto of the approach is to meet people where they are and help them make any positive change. This might mean meeting with a client that is high on crystal meth and in a delusional state of mind, or still having a session with an intoxicated client who just came from the bar after four beers. Most therapists would cringe at such an approach. How can one possibly help any client who is in such an altered state of mind? Academic programs even advise therapists against meeting with people under the influence of a substance. The reasoning might be that doing so is condoning drug use. I propose that harm reduction, meeting clients whether they are high, low or experiencing psychosis, is a more humane approach to working with people. Let me explain. An often referred to concept within this community is that connection is the opposite...

You Get Out What You Put In All too often a client thinks the therapist is going to do all the work. After all, you’re paying them, why should you have to put in any labor? Unfortunately, the therapeutic process entails the client to work just as hard, if not harder, than the therapist. Therapy provides a time and place for you to do self-reflection and growth. We can only help you water your own plant and pull your own weeds, not do it for you. We Can’t Solve Your Problems, But We Can Help You with Them If I had a solution for all your problems, this would be a lot easier. The truth is, I envision you as the master of your own life, and trust you know even better than me what will work and what won’t. I believe you’ve likely tried many ways of dealing with your problem. Perhaps what is left is to be with the struggle together and see what creative answers lie within you, as those are the only true solutions, not any that I can provide. We Don’t Have Easy Answers...