Feeling Safe in Therapy

Clients often tell me that they feel safe and comfortable in session with me. They feel they can tell me things that they wouldn’t tell anyone else. 

A professional therapist such as myself is qualified, trained, and able to hear these very personal issues so that the client feels acknowledged, and validated in their challenging times, and can calm, soothe, and heal. 

This safety and comfort is the foundation for personal growth and living a life where clients can know themselves and be self-assured and confident in their life choices. 

Why Professional Psychotherapy Is Considered Safe

1. Ethical Guidelines: Licensed therapists follow strict ethical codes (e.g., APA, ACA), which emphasize confidentiality, informed consent, and client well-being.
2. Evidence-Based Practices: Most therapists use treatments that are scientifically supported for specific issues.
3. Regulated Profession: Therapists are trained, supervised, and licensed by governing boards, ensuring a minimum standard of competence.
4. Confidentiality Protections: Laws like HIPAA (in the U.S.) protect your privacy.
5. Focus on Empowerment: Good therapy aims to help you build insight and coping strategies, not create dependence.

Potential Risks or Things to Be Mindful Of

• Unqualified Practitioners: Seeing someone unlicensed or without proper training can be risky.
• Inappropriate Boundaries: Ethical therapists maintain clear professional boundaries. Any romantic, financial, or overly personal entanglements are red flags.
• Worsening Before Improving: Sometimes therapy can stir up painful emotions. This isn’t a sign of danger but a natural part of the healing process. Still, it should be handled with care.
• Mismatch in Approach: Not every therapist is a fit. If you feel unheard, judged, or invalidated, it’s okay to look for someone else.
• Cultural or Identity Mismatch: Therapists should be culturally competent and affirming. If you don’t feel safe or understood, that’s a sign to seek better support.

Tips for Ensuring Safety

• Check Credentials: Look for licensed professionals (LPC, LCSW, PsyD, PhD, LMFT, etc.).
• Ask About Methods: A good therapist will explain their approach and how it fits your goals.
• Trust Your Gut: Feeling safe, respected, and heard is essential.
• Regular Reviews: Therapy should be collaborative. You can ask about progress and adjust goals as needed.

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Therapy with Doctor Valentina is an investment in your health, your wholeness, and your well-being. So take a deep breath, look inward, and remind yourself: You are worth it.

Call me, Doctor Melissa Valentina, at 954-737-2364 For your free 10-minute consult. 

Let's talk.

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