Open Therapy
In an increasingly stifling culture, more people are struggling to find their voice, get support, and connect with others. Therapy should be a place where people can explore questions, thoughts, and feelings candidly — without fear that it will damage their treatment. Often people process feelings that seem irrational, immoral, or confusing, and through dialogue with their therapist find a more authentic and complete sense of who they are. This kind of exploration is all the more important in a censorship culture.
At the Open Therapy Institute (OTI), clients are encouraged to explore the full range of their thoughts and feelings, with an open-minded clinician, even on topics that are difficult to discuss publicly. Therapists at OTI have a wide range of theoretical orientations, political views, and areas of expertise. All are committed to providing high quality open, compassionate, patient-centered care.
The OTI Approach
As society becomes more politicized, the Open Therapy Institute remains committed to the traditional healing ethos of therapy. OTI therapists provide an open, confidential environment where clients can freely explore all of their concerns.
OPEN THERAPY
Talking through difficult issues is usually the best path to insight, mental health, and effective solutions to problems. This is especially important for people who live in censorship cultures or face antagonism for their beliefs. That's why OTI therapists strive to actively cultivate openness in the therapy room.
DIALOGUE
OTI therapists recognize that the best way to address problems is usually through dialogue. Therapists can guide the process and offer thoughts, but the ultimate outcome is a collaboration between clients and therapists.
NOT INDOCTRINATION
Therapists can’t agree with every client on every issue, nor is that the aim of therapy. OTI therapists aim to facilitate openness by remaining curious, engaged, and empathic. They encourage dialogue that is catered toward the client’s goals, and they don’t advocate for any political agenda.
CLINICAL SKILL
People with “unorthodox” views are often misunderstood in therapy. Sometimes this is a result of therapists intentionally politicizing sessions, and sometimes it’s a result of biases that therapists are unaware of. To be effective, therapists need to understand their clients’ concerns, be able to engage them supportively, and have some knowledge of what might be helpful for them.
CHILD AND ADOLESCENT CARE
Talking through difficult issues is usually the best path to insight, mental health, and effective solutions to problems. This is especially important for people who live in censorship cultures or face antagonism for their beliefs. That's why OTI therapists strive to actively cultivate openness in the therapy room.