YOUR THERAPY OFFICE: INVITING OR INTIMIDATING?

What does our physical office look like and what message is it sending to our patients? Is it clinical, cluttered, warm, cold, comfortable or inviting? How are these terms commonly defined and how do they impact a patient's view of the therapist and the therapeutic relationship? In looking for guidance when setting up a private practice office, it has been half a decade since easily accessible articles on physical office space have been published1, and recent developments in environmental psychology and other fields that also rely on relationship building should be explored. Many of the findings reported in previous publications (wall color, furniture placement, and credentials) continue to be supported by new research. However, there are several new elements of physical space research that other academic fields have explored. From the effect of wooden furniture on wellbeing2, to the effect of potted plants on mood3, to lighting4 and finally on spatial constraints that limit self-disclosure5. By incorporating this new research into office space design, therapists can increase client comfort and confidence in the therapeutic relationship.