When a therapist asks a client what they took away from a session, they are inviting the client to reflect on and summarize the key insights, learnings, or realizations they gained during the therapeutic session. This question serves several important purposes in the therapeutic process:
Encourages client self-reflection: By asking the client what they took away from the session, the therapist encourages the client to process and internalize the material discussed. It allows the client to take an active role in their therapy and engage in self-reflection, which can enhance the therapeutic benefits.
Reinforces insights and progress: Summarizing the main points of the session can help reinforce the insights or progress the client made during therapy. It helps solidify important concepts or coping strategies discussed during the session, making them more likely to be remembered and applied outside of therapy.
Assesses comprehension: The question gives the therapist an opportunity to gauge the client's understanding of the topics covered and the therapeutic process. It allows the therapist to identify any misunderstandings or areas that might need further exploration.
Provides a basis for future sessions: The client's response to this question can serve as a starting point for the next session. It helps the therapist understand what aspects of the previous session had the most impact on the client and what areas might need more attention.
Tracks progress: By asking this question throughout the therapy process, the therapist can track the client's progress over time. It helps in identifying patterns of growth, changes in perspective, and areas that still require attention.
Strengthens the therapeutic alliance: This question fosters open communication and collaboration between the client and therapist. It demonstrates that the therapist values the client's perspective and encourages a collaborative approach to therapy.
Overall, asking the client what they took away from the session is an effective way to facilitate learning, growth, and self-awareness in the therapeutic process. It empowers the client to actively participate in their own healing journey and reinforces the therapist-client relationship.