Collaborative therapy involves a therapeutic relationship between the therapist and their client. This relationship is based on the mutual goal of finding solutions to the problems presented in therapy and working to establish pathways to achieve these goals. This style of therapy can be used in group, family, and couple settings, as well as in individual therapy.
What Is Collaborative Therapy?
In collaborative therapy, the client and therapist develop an alliance and approach therapy as a discussion instead of as a client seeking answers and a therapist providing them. The role of the therapist in this kind of therapy is to see from the perspective of the client, relying on their storytelling and asking questions to understand.
The emphasis on the client here shows that collaborative therapy isn’t only client-centered, but rather that clients have the capacity to act as the expert on their own life. The therapist in this modality of therapy will often ask for clarity and perspective sharing to ensure they are not imposing their own interpretation of the experience their clients share and hold space for the client to share their authentic self.1
According to Kyle McEvoy, MS, LMHC, Founder & Therapy President at Collaborative People, “Collaborative therapy is less like a treatment modality and more of an approach to interacting with the people we work with. In the true nature of collaboration, a collaborative therapist will support the person they’re working with as the expert in their own experience. Thus, the relationship between therapist and client is non-authoritative, integrational, genuine, explicit, empathetic, and more.”
Theory of Collaborative Counseling
Collaborative counseling is rooted in postmodernist theory and its two key concepts of fluid knowledge and the idea that multiple realities exist, meaning no one view is “correct.” It has an emphasis on equality of perspectives between the client and the therapist. The goal is to create change and growth for both the client and the therapist. Meaningful conversations are the catalyst for this change.1
What Can Collaborative Counseling Help With?
Collaborative therapy can help people with anxiety, depression, and marital issues. It can also help children, families, and couples develop more awareness about the causes and triggers for issues in their lives and learn effective coping mechanisms. Since collaborative therapy is more of a philosophy, it allows the therapist to help their client brainstorm solutions while still allowing them to take the lead.2
Is Collaborative Therapy Effective?
Studies on the effectiveness of collaborative therapy found that it can increase the client’s level of self-efficacy, improve their coping skills, increase their trigger awareness, and improve their decision-making capabilities.3,4
McEvoy states, “Through this transformative work, others will typically notice a change in the client’s demeanor before themselves. The client may notice a more explicit awareness of their thoughts, feelings, and reactions in their interpersonal relationships. The more explicit understanding is accompanied by better emotional regulation, a stronger sense of self, a more effortless ability to think of alternative perspectives, greater empathy, and less self-deprecating thoughts and feelings.
Additionally, a client may notice they have a better understanding of the root causes of their current deficits, hold a greater understanding of psychological knowledge, and feel more comfortable talking with their provider. This therapeutic process is not a “results” oriented approach but a multidimensional interpersonal experience that helps foster a deeper understanding of ourselves and others to promote better relationships.”
Collaborative Counseling Examples
In children-parent relationships, collaborative therapy has helped parents with traumatic histories reframe their experiences to a strengths perspective to emphasize their goal of being better parents and preventing the traumatization of their children.5 Collaborative therapy has also helped individuals living with bipolar disorder improve their quality of life, relationships, and overall functioning.
Studies also suggest that collaborative therapy could have similar effects on anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.6 Similarly, children with behavioral issues were found to have profound insight into their manners when given the platform to be involved in their treatment plan.7
How to Find a Collaborative Therapist
The best way to find a collaborative therapist is by searching an online directory and reviewing the providers based on your preferences and insurance. Researching clinician profiles online and selecting a few to contact for initial conversations is a good first step. Many therapists offer a free phone consultation to give families an opportunity to evaluate whether they’re a good fit.
If you are in a circle that openly and safely discusses mental health resources, ask for a reference. Everyone is different though, so it shouldn’t be expected that one therapist would be right for everyone. Requesting a referral from your physician is also an option. This gives your physician an opportunity to collaborate with you to find the right type of treatment.
What to Expect at Your First Appointment
Try to go into therapy with an open mind and remember that you are in the driver’s seat. During your first session, feel free to ask any questions you may have. Your therapist will ask questions too. What you share informs your therapist on how to best approach your collaborative care.
McEvoy says, “In a collaborative therapy session, a client might expect to feel a high level of curiosity from the provider. The idea is to hold a “not knowing” stance, which encourages the provider and client to foster an authentic and genuine understanding of the client’s experience. Each collaborative therapist recognizes that they’re not the expert of the client’s experiences and will learn what they think is best. Therefore, the therapist will typically be flexible in working with the client, communication, technique, and disclosure.”
To learn how to prepare for your first therapy session, consider an initial phone consultation or an online guide. Copays and coverage of treatment will depend on whether the provider you choose is in-network or out-of-network. It is not uncommon to have a copay even with an in-network provider; however, many providers are able to offer a sliding scale payment model if necessary.
Final Thoughts on Collaborative Counseling
Whatever you’re struggling with is unique to you, but you’re not alone. If you are dealing with issues like anxiety, communication problems, attachment issues, depression, marital issues, or family problems, talking to a therapist who specializes in collaborative therapy can make a positive difference in how you feel. Together, you and your therapist will learn and grow.
