We Are Looking For Writers

"The Therapeutic Relationship and You" is the title, and topic, of HelpPRO's recently launched blog, and we are looking for writers.

We need YOU, the providers, to help in our mission to demystify the therapeutic relationship and to empower clients to get the most out of it.

Yet, there is a dearth of advice for clients on what to expect, and how to get the most out of the therapeutic relationship! Our mission is to demystify the therapeutic relationship, reinforce its importance, and empower clients so they can more effectively and productively fulfill their role in the relationship.

Will you join us in creating this powerful resource for clients?

What to Write and Audience

All posts are directed toward the “client”, meaning the at-large population of people already in treatment or considering treatment. We have TONS of ideas, but we’d like to set you, the providers, loose on the topic since you witness every day what your clients struggle with. But in case you need a boost to get started, here are some ideas:

• What happens when I feel I've reached a plateau in therapy?
• How can I "shop" for a therapist?
• How do I know the right personality style I need?
• I've been in therapy for several months and I'm realizing that my therapist doesn't feel like a good match, what do I do?
• I am developing romantic feelings for my therapist. Is this common? Should I stop therapy?
• My general practitioner can prescribe anti-depressants...why bother also seeing a psychiatrist or therapist?
• Come on, there is no “relationship” with a therapist. They are paid to listen. Do you think my therapist actually cares about ME?
• I feel like my therapist doesn’t like me. Am I being paranoid? Should I bring it up?
• I want to switch therapists, but I don’t want to hurt my current therapist’s feelings? What is the proper etiquette to making a therapist change?
• What are the warning signs that the therapeutic relationship is in trouble?
• What are the essential qualities of a good therapeutic relationship?
• Does the power imbalance prevent clients from leaving therapy when it's not working?

How do I submit my post?

Just email it to Bill Blout, attached as a Word, or equivalent, document. We will review it, edit it to meet our length and content requirements (see parameters below), and send the final version to you just before publication.

Can I submit more than one post?

Absolutely! Submit as often as you like and we’ll review. Of course we’ll want to ensure a diverse authorship, but the beauty of blogging is that there’s always room for more!

What are the parameters?

• A good length post is between 200 - 500 words, but if your article is really more potent with fewer or more words, please write what seems best.
• We will credit you for your posting with a link to your listing and/or website.
• Please include a short bio on yourself with your first submission and include any links to your website you would like included. Bio is best at 2-5 sentences.
• Please include a web-ready picture (gif or jpg format), 250 x 250 px is best.

Writing Tips

Here are some tips to get you started:

• Write as if you were speaking to the client. The advice is for clients so it should be directed toward them.
• Start with a story or anecdote (note - if you use a “client” story please make enough changes in identifying traits and put a disclaimer at the end that you have done so). Good writing is much like good speaking. You have only a few seconds to get someone’s attention and then hold it.
• If the content lends itself to it, bullets and/or headings are good visual organizers for readers allowing them to skim for the most important information they are looking for.
• If you mention research, provide links or proper citations.
• Humor and controversy get a lot of attention, but remember that someone reading your post could be feeling vulnerable.
• Be careful about giving direct and specific advice, or any advice that could lead to someone stopping treatment or not seeking it. For example, some of you may write on what to do if their therapist just isn’t working out. Advice would logically including leaving the therapist, but what does the patient do in the interim? Remember to give advice for that too.

Additional Information

• We reserve the right to edit your blog before publishing.
• We will notify you if your article/post has been approved for publication on the blog, and we will send you a link when your article/post is actually live.
• For various reasons we may not be able to, or may choose not to, publish your submission.
• All blogs are the property of HelpNet, Inc.(parent company of HelpPRO)

We are available by email or by phone at 781-862-5215 to answer any questions. Thank you for your interest!

For all the details, visit the blog submission page. We and our readers can’t wait to read what you have to say!