The couch can state many different aspects of not only the client’s personality, but also the therapist’s as well. For instance, a client who walks into the office, plops on the couch, and pours out their soul, may happen to be more socially comfortable than others. That client can lower their personal guard, and submit themselves into a deeper relaxation. Which may or may not make it easier to talk.
However, it doesn’t mean that the client who would rather sit on the couch has to have their guard up all of the time either. It could all just be personal preference.
Nonetheless, the couch is usually provided for comfort. It gives the office a home-like feeling. It’s there to make the client feel safe, and relaxed, which gives them one less thing to worry about. Personally speaking, I feel more comfortable in an office with a couch and some nice furniture, than in a sterile looking room with a few hardwood chairs. Which one would you prefer?
The couch can also tell you about the therapist. It can state their favorite color or design, which can prove to be ice breakers on the first day. It’s hard to talk to a complete stranger. You have to learn to trust them first. Even if that means small talk. You can tell a lot about a therapist’s personality by the way their office looks. And, a lot of it is in the couch. Is it built for comfort? Looks? Is it directly facing the therapist? Or can you only see a wall? For instance, a couch that is soft, and allows you to see the therapist directly, may mean that they are more personable than others. The more comfortable you are, may mean the more comfortable it is to speak about yourself, and your problems.
All in all, I guess that the couch is one of the biggest factors in finding a therapist. If you can lay down, and clear your mind from the chaos, and lay out your troubles in front of someone, then, you’ve got a keeper. Think about it.
