Picture this:

A therapist describes her work with a new client to her consulting group. She talks about the therapeutic relationship they are creating, and the changes the client is making. She says the client’s attachment issues are playing out in their sessions, and that she is using the transference for healing.

That client describes her therapy to her best friend at lunch. She talks about the changes she is making in her communication with her family, and how she’s taking better care of herself. She says therapy is helping her feel more confident and assertive at work. She says she feels exhausted after sessions sometimes, but that it’s worth it.

The therapist and client use different words to describe what’s happening in their sessions.

Now let’s look at how they each talk about the goals of therapy.

The therapist wants to help the client heal her attachment wounds. She wants the client to experience better emotional regulation and to form close and secure relationships.

The client wants to feel less anxious and more confident at work. She would also like to find a partner and have less conflict with her best friend.

The therapist and the client agree that therapy is working, so why does it matter that they think and talk about therapy differently?

Knowing the language your clients use is an important key to building a successful practice. You need to know how the clients you work best with think and talk about therapy, and you need to know how they describe what they are hoping to get out of therapy.

Knowing what words your will help you attract more of the clients who you work well with. You will use that language in your online directory profiles, your website, the articles you write, and in conversations with potential clients before they decide to hire you.

Once you show your potential clients that you speak their language, you can also describe the benefits of therapy that they might not even be expecting. After they know that you understand what they are struggling with and what outcome they are looking for, they will be happy to find out what else you have to offer. If you don’t start by speaking their language, you’re less likely to have a chance to work with them at all.

Is it time to get some help taking your private practice to the next level? Apply for a free consultation now.