Collaborative Therapy: How It Works & What to Expect

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 their clients’ perspectives, relying on their storytelling and asking questions to understand.

The emphasis on the client here shows that collaborative therapy is not only client-centered but that clients can act as experts in their own lives. The therapist will often ask for clarity and perspective sharing to ensure they are not imposing their 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 the two concepts of fluid knowledge and the idea that multiple realities exist, meaning no one view is “correct.” It emphasizes equality of perspectives between the client and the therapist 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 of problems and learn effective coping mechanisms. Since collaborative therapy is more of a philosophy, it allows the therapist to help their client brainstorm solutions while allowing them to take the lead.²

Is Collaborative Therapy Effective?

Studies on the effectiveness of collaborative therapy found that it can increase self-efficacy, improve coping skills, increase trigger awareness, and improve 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, clients may notice they better understand the root causes of their current deficits, develop greater psychological knowledge, and feel more comfortable talking with their providers. 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.

Examples of Collaborative Counseling

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 with bipolar disorder improve their quality of life, relationships, and overall functioning.

Studies also suggest collaborative therapy could yield similar improvements for anxiety disorders, 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 therapist 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, allowing families to determine if a provider is a good fit.

You can also ask family members or friends for therapist recommendations. Requesting a referral from your physician is also an option and allows your physician opportunities to collaborate with you on treatment.

What to Expect at Your First Appointment

Try to go into therapy with an open mind, and remember you are in the driver’s seat. Feel free to ask any questions during your first session. Your therapist will ask questions, too. What you share informs your therapist on how to 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 on 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.”

Consider an initial phone consultation or an online guide to prepare for your first therapy session. Copays and coverage will depend on whether the provider you choose is in- or out-of-network. It is not uncommon to have a copay even with an in-network provider. However, many profitable offer a sliding-scale payment model if necessary.

Final Thoughts

Whatever you are struggling with is unique, but you are not alone. If you are dealing with issues like anxiety, communication problems, attachment issues, depression, marital issues, or family problems, talking to a therapist specializing in collaborative therapy can positively impact your mood. Together, you and your therapist will learn and grow.