In order to be unloaded, reloaded, and repaired, a ship must first ‘connect’ or ‘anchor’ into the dock. In a similar manner, the first essential step of therapy is to build a strong, secure connection with your psychologist. Research demonstrates that this supportive connection (which is often termed the ‘therapeutic alliance’) is the most important factor to help clients achieve positive outcomes through therapy. It is therefore a core focus within all therapy sessions at The Healing Dock.

Once a ship is connected to the dock, a process is undertaken by a marine surveyor to assess what the ship requires. In a similar manner, it is important that therapy involves a ‘goal setting’ phase, in which the client and the psychologist work together to identify achievable therapy goals. These goals set the foundation for the work that is completed in (and between) the therapy sessions, and progress is regularly monitored during the therapeutic process to ensure you receive optimal support.

Once the requirements of the ship have been thoroughly assessed, the process of unloading, reloading, and repair will then occur. Likewise, once goals have been collaboratively produced between the therapist and the client, the psychologist will then develop a therapeutic plan for the subsequent sessions. This plan will then be shared and discussed with the client to ensure that they agree with how the therapy sessions will progress. Ultimately, as each and every client is unique, this process will be specifically tailored to the client, and will likely draw on a selection of various different ‘therapeutic modalities’ (or therapy ‘styles’).

Just like the ship leaves the dock, the final therapeutic step is to disembark from The Healing Dock with a new level of preparedness for your life journey. More specifically, once the therapeutic plan has been completed, the therapist and client will assess whether there are any additional goals that need to be addressed. If this is not the case, and the client feels empowered to disembark and continue onwards, the psychologist will provide some final guidance (to help them navigate through their path), before then saying “Bon Voyage”. The Healing Dock will then continue to be there when future rough seas hit, if needed.