Do therapists work to make their offices cozy and welcoming, or do they go for the blank-slate look? We asked the experts in Psychology Today's Therapy Directory.
Business Casual
Most therapists favor a living room feel over clinical coldness. Jodi Blackley of Brea, CA, says she "wanted a space where clients feel comfortable to 'kick off their shoes'—some actually do—and feel safe."
Self-Analysis
"I'm conscious of the office being congruent with who I am as a therapist," says Peter Hannah of Seattle, WA. "Masculine, smart, warm, safe, professional, and with a sense of humor."
A Modest Motif
Leslie Gustafson of Tustin, CA, says of her space: "While it reflects my taste, it's not personally revealing, as I work psychodynamically at times and don't want to get in the way of the work with 'too much of me.'"
Photo-Realism
Some therapists display personal photos because it presents them as "real people," but others consider it a "boundary breach." Denise Pollack of Bethlehem, PA, also notes, "Some clients may not have the perfect marriage, family, or children portrayed in photos. This can become an unnecessary distraction and a source of distress."
