Creating a Serene and Welcoming Space: Decorating a Therapist's Office
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When it comes to therapy, the environment a session takes place in can play a significant role in enhancing the overall experience for both the therapist and the client. While having a serene and welcoming space isn’t a requirement for clients to open up, it does help to establish trust and safety, reduces client anxiety, encourages openness, promotes relaxation, and enhances focus. In this article, we dive into the art of decorating a therapist’s office.
Start with neutral colors:
Neutral colors like the light gray in my office provide a calm and soothing backdrop for therapy sessions. These colors help to create a sense of tranquility and prevent any distractions brighter colors may bring. Remember, the focus should be on the client and their emotions.
Invest in quality furniture:
Furniture can be a pricey investment but as Ken would say, “my job…it’s just couch”. Without a couch or chairs for your clients to sit on, it would be difficult to provide therapeutic services so be mindful of purchasing comfortable and supportive chairs/couches that will withstand the test of time. My biggest fear was purchasing a bargain couch and having a leg snap while in session with a client!
When selecting a couch, I chose one that was low to the ground (easily accessed by children and adults alike), had thick legs (less risk of the legs breaking over time), and could hold quite a bit of weight. We want to ensure our furniture is as inclusive as possible. If your couch is deep like mine, consider adding pillows so clients with a shorter frame have support. Feeling-wise, I chose a couch that was soft to the touch, has a soft seat, and a more firm back. I sat on a lot of couches at a lot of stores before finding one that felt perfect to me so don’t feel discouraged if you’re having a tough time finding what you’re looking for.
When choosing chairs, I opted for a swivel chair for clients/people like myself who have a difficult time sitting still, a chair with more back support for clients who prefer a firmer seating option, and a desk chair that allows me to cross my legs. Not only do you want clients to feel comfortable in your space but you also want to feel comfortable in the space you will spend your working hours.
Regarding a desk, I wanted to have the option of standing while completing notes so I opted for a height adjustable standing desk that gives me both options - I can sit or stand to complete notes. Also, I find it very helpful having a large monitor so I can have multiple windows open at the same time without my screen feeling crowded.
If all goes well, your furniture will be used often so please consider protecting your purchase with a fabric spray to extend its life and appearance.
Be mindful of your decor:
Personally, I find plants, natural woods, animals, and soft objects comforting and serene so I chose a mix of light and dark woods, real and fake plants, stuffed, painted, and sculpted animals, squishmallows, velvet pillows, round decor, and fidgets to decorate my space. These natural elements contribute to a tranquil environment and can also serve as conversation starters during sessions.
Fidgets can help nervous clients relax and provide stimulation to those who may struggle sitting for long periods of time. I’ve also found that adding a large mirror above my desk gives clients a place to check their face/makeup before leaving my office. For warm summer days, having a quiet oscillating fan to cool down my office has proven very beneficial.
Incorporate soft lighting:
You can ask anyone I know, and they would tell you, I’m all about the ambiance! I wanted to bring components of this to my work space as well because I believe lighting sets the mood in any space. Personally, I prefer soft, diffused lighting rather than harsh, bright lights and know most neurodivergent clients prefer this as well. In my space, I chose a salt lamp and floor lamp that doubles as a table to create a warm and inviting glow during the evenings and chose curtains that deflect the sun’s glare and provide privacy but also allow natural light in during the day.
Organized and clutter-free:
Having such a small space can make it difficult to stay organized but adding a beautiful rattan storage cabinet with totes to store books, resources, extra kleenex, light bulbs, crayons, markers, and pencils and a locking filing cabinet to store client forms/information has really helped! Organized spaces provide a sense of order and calm and we owe it to our clients to provide a clutter-free space to promote a clear mindset.
Soft textures:
Adding in soft touches like pillows, a velvet couch, cozy blankets, and squishmallows can create a nurturing environment that clients find safe and comforting.
Aromatherapy:
A very subtle hint of essential oils like lavender, chamomile, or bergamot (known for their calming properties) in a diffuser can have a positive impact on the therapeutic experience but please keep in mind that neurodivergent clients are more sensitive to scents and may find them distracting. When utilizing elements like this, please remember to use them cautiously and ask your clients for feedback. Personally, I find a drop of oil in a diffuser filled with distilled water helps to provide a light, calming scent.
Display your accomplishments:
If you’re like me, you worked tirelessly and spent a lot of money on those degrees so take pride in displaying your accomplishments like a proud parent displaying photos of their children, pets, or plants! Not only can you use this as a reminder of how much better your life is now than it was in graduate school but you can also use your degrees to establish credibility, builds trust with clients, enhances transparency, and can reduce anxiety.
Remember, the goal of decorating a therapist’s office is to create a safe and supportive space where clients feel comfortable exploring their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. By harmonizing aesthetics, comfort, and purpose, you can cultivate an environment that facilitates healing and personal growth.
