I share my therapy room with a colleague who is very like-minded, one of our intentions for our room, was to create the kind of space we would like to experience ourselves as clients - so we've prioritised making our room as comfortable as possible. The therapy environment can be a really important part of your counselling experience. I'd like to introduce you to some of the things you'll find in our therapy room, along with the reasons I think these are important.
Natural light
One of our ‘must haves’ when we were researching our room, was natural light. natural light makes us all feel more comfortable - and studies have shown that it can boost alertness, focus, and cognitive function (helping you to process). Fortunately we found a space with a massive window, so even on cloudy days, we usually have a room full of natural light. We have a blind obscuring the lower half of the window, ensuring privacy while filling the room with soft, diffused light.
Plants
NASA studies have shown that some plants (including snake plants and ferns) significantly improve air quality). Plants are also known to have a positive impact on mental health - so we've made sure we have a few carefully chosen plants around the room.
A fidget toy basket
Fidget toys can be a very useful way to release nervous energy, regulate emotions, calm anxiety, and focus your mind - which can make them a helpful tool while you process in therapy. They can be especially helpful for those with autism, ADHD or high levels of anxiety. The sensory input can be calming (visual, tactile & auditory) - and can be particularly helpful if you have sensory input issues. They can also be a way to put you back in touch with your body, by engaging your senses. You don't need a diagnosis of neurodivergence to benefit from using fidget toys. Movement is medicine - you'll never need to ask permission to use a fidget from our basket during your session - they are there for you to use.
A diffuser, with essential oils
Essential oils can help us to feel calm and relaxed- they can also make the room smell great. Don't like the scent? No problem, we can always turn it off for your session.
Comfy chairs, with cosy blankets and cushions
It can be distracting sitting on an uncomfortable chair while talking about the important stuff that's going on for you. We've tried to make our office as comfortable as possible - and (almost) everything can be moved. You are very welcome to wrap up in the blanket, reposition or hug the cushion if that feels right for you. You can also put the blanket and cushion on the floor if you're not keen.
Fresh, cold, filtered water
My colleague and I both drink tea or sip water during our sessions, so why shouldn’t you? The water is there for you to help yourself at any point during a session. Talking can cause our mouths to dry out, and a dry mouth can also be a symptom of anxiety. Just as with the fidget toys, you also get a lot of sensory feedback from a sip (or gulp!) of cold water, it can also be a comforting, or grounding experience.
A shell basket
I use this little basket for what we call ‘projective work’. Sometimes it can be difficult to describe things (or people) in the present. When we choose a stone, shell, or other object to represent something or someone in our lives, or even a part of ourselves, we can explore in a way that gives insight into our unconscious thoughts, feelings and beliefs.
Coloured pens and paper
We can use these for anything from creative expression to scribbling or doodling. This can be a creative outlet, or a way to express your feelings. Sometimes it can be useful to draw as a way to represent something in your life - as with the shell basket, we can then use this for projective work, unlocking some unconscious insights into what might be going on for you.
Our room is also temperature controlled, so it's cool in the summer, and cosy in the winter. The room is accessible (and on the ground floor) and there are toilets in the building
There is no right or wrong way for the process of therapy to look - we can use the tools at our disposal whenever they feel right, and you will always have choice in the way we work together. If you want to get creative, we'll find ways to integrate this into our work together - if you prefer to just talk, that's ok too