Childhood

Couches and sofas for psychotherapist serve a purely aesthetic purpose. Traditionally used by Sigmund Freud for psychoanalysis, couches are not considered a crucial part of psychotherapy sessions. While couches and sofas are not an industry standard, they are the first items mentioned by the general public when discussing mental health.

Psychotherapy Versus Psychoanalysis

The Mayo Clinic describes psychoanalysis as the practice of discussing mental health concerns with a psychologist or other mental health practitioner. Dreams and other subconscious thoughts are interpreted in an attempt to understand the patient’s psychological behavior. During the late 19th century, Sigmund Freud, an Austrian neurologist, expanded on previous psychoanalytic theories by developing new methods of interpreting human behavior. He believed patients uncovered more if they reclined on a couch and could not see their therapist during sessions.

According to Doctor Ronald Boutelle, psychotherapy does not require couches. They are an optional part of the décor that provides comfortable seating for patient sessions. Emotional and psychological difficulties are explored though a series of physical activities, along with verbal and written exercises. The patient communicates freely with their therapist in an effort to achieve personal happiness. Doctor Thomas Grugle states that psychotherapy sessions are less intense in nature, and patients should be concerned if a psychotherapist requests for them to lay on a couch at any time.

Patient Response

While couches and sofas like those from FASHION FOR HOME are seen a comfortable place to sit for lengthy periods of time, patients can view the furnishings as so much more. In an article written for Psychology Today, a doctor wrote about replacing therapy couches and how the change impacted patients. Patients saw the couches as a constant during periods of emotional turmoil. Some expressed a sentiment of feeling unsafe after entering their therapists office and discovering the original couch was removed.

Specifications

Therapists agree that neutral colors work best when selecting a couch or sofa for their practice. Brown, beige and black pieces continue to be popular choices. Doctor Ryan Howes states that his couches are neutral, warm and inviting to give his clients unbiased support. Neutral colors are also a practical choice, considering their ability to hide dirt well.

Furniture in a therapists office can see a lot of traffic, so purchasing a well constructed piece is important. Poorly made furniture breaks quickly with frequent use, increasing overall office expenditures. Cloth or leather finishes are standard, but professional decorators say that leather is easier to clean and lasts longer than fabric finishes.