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A helpful therapy relationship is about more than the method's name. Feeling heard and being able to give honest feedback are central.

When people describe a therapy experience that worked well for them, they rarely start with the name of the method. More often they talk about feeling listened to, understanding what was happening and being able to speak up when something did not feel right. Those qualities are worth looking for from the very first session.

Signs of a helpful working relationship

From the client's side, useful signs might include:

• feeling that your concerns are heard without judgement;
• understanding the plan and why it has been suggested;
• being able to say that something is not helping, without worrying about offending anyone.

Dr Christine Shen, Acupuncturist, holds qualifications in psychotherapy and offers talking sessions at the Lane Cove clinic, where many clients also come for relaxing, hands-on care.

Bringing feedback into the room

Feedback is welcome in sessions with Christine. You might explain what you took away from the previous appointment, what felt uncomfortable or confusing, and what you would like to spend more time on. Even a short comment at the start, such as "last week felt rushed" or "I want to talk more about work", can shape how the session unfolds.

Reviewing the working relationship is part of the process itself, not a complaint that must wait until the end. Adjusting pace, focus or style along the way is normal.

Keeping your priorities central

Psychological care should reflect what matters to you. You may want to make sense of a pattern, work on something that seems stuck or find new ways to cope with stress. Agree on how you will notice progress, and ask Christine how the two of you will check in on the work and where else you can turn if things shift between visits.

If you ever feel unsafe or overwhelmed between appointments, contact your GP, a crisis line or emergency services rather than waiting.

Some people find it easier to speak openly in a setting that already feels calm and familiar, and that sense of ease can make giving honest feedback feel more natural.