Here’s how to create a space that supports your work and therapeutic relationships.
Your therapy office isn’t just a place for you to get work done. It’s a space where your clients should feel safe and supported, so they can achieve their mental health goals. Your therapeutic relationship and tools, of course, contribute to this growth. But your office can play a role in helping your clients feel relaxed and comfortable, so they can open up about their personal lives.
All that to say, designing a therapy office isn’t as simple as setting up a desk and an office chair. You’ll also need to take some important steps to create a space that supports your work and therapeutic relationships.
Why it’s important to have a well-decorated office
You already know as a therapist that the external environment can immediately impact how someone feels, both physically and emotionally. It’s your job as a therapist to make a space that serves your clients as they work with you to improve their mental health. There’s no single right way to set up your space, but considering a few core design components can make a meaningful impact on the work you're doing.
“When designing a therapy space, it’s important to create an environment where people feel safe and comfortable,” says interior designer Heather Mastrangeli, owner of Innovatus Design. “The space should be peaceful, be distraction free, and foster a feeling of healing and security.”
Before starting the process, try to take on your clients’ perspective and think about how you’d want to feel in a therapist’s office. What steps can you take to create a space that looks professional yet creates a cozy, comfortable vibe?
Read on for some ideas to try in your own office, with input from an interior designer who’s worked on therapist offices.
Therapy office decor ideas
Color: Chose neutral or muted colors
Taking cues from nature for your color palette can help create a serene atmosphere for you and your clients as you broach difficult, even potentially upsetting, topics. Whether you paint your walls or incorporate other colors into a white or off-white background, Mastangreli recommends choosing calming shades of green, taupe, or brown.
If you go for a more colorful palette, choose muted colors that may help promote relaxation, rather than bright or neon colors that might make the environment feel activating or chaotic. It may be helpful to define a color palette ahead of time so you can be sure to choose complementary hues when you’re shopping — while you don’t need to be overly uniform, a cohesive space may feel thoughtful and relaxing.
Lighting: Rely on natural light, or cozy lighting
Lighting can go a long way in setting the tone for a therapy session. We all know harsh, fluorescent office lighting can be headache-inducing, or even dysregulating for people with sensory differences. Keep your overhead lights off unless you’re cleaning; otherwise, rely on a combination of natural light and overhead lighting that sets a cozier tone for your office. “Lamps with fabric shades, torchiere lights that reflect light onto the ceiling, and sconces with glass shades are all great options for creating a soft and welcoming space,” says Mastangreli.
Furniture: Opt for functionality
Since you’re welcoming guests into your space, you’ll need a few pieces of furniture. Choose a comfortable-but-functional loveseat, couch, and/or chairs that accommodate people of various sizes and abilities. Mastangreli recommends selecting commercial-grade furniture, which generally has a sturdier construction and meets specific testing standards for commercial environments, including flammability requirements. “This will allow the furniture to perform well for the space and also reduce liability for the therapist,” she says.
Choose furniture in neutral colors and easy-to-clean performance fabrics, and aim for pieces with arms, which are easier to get in and out of for people with injuries or mobility challenges. Mastangreli also recommends adding a coffee table: You can use it to display decor and to create a barrier between you and your client, which may help create a sense of comfort during conversation. If needed, you can easily move the coffee table out of the way (for example, if your patient is using a walker, wheelchair, or crutches).
Artwork: Look for calming nature scenes or simple, objective subjects
Artwork is a great way to add warmth and personality to your space while creating a comfortable, home-like environment. When you’re selecting art, aim for simple pieces that won’t distract your clients.
For example, rather than abstract art that might beg interpretation during a session, Mastangreli recommends choosing calming nature scenes or other objective subject matter (when possible, in colors laid out in your predetermined palette).
“The art should be easy to digest and shouldn’t become a huge focal point in the therapy room,” Mastangreli says. “If you want a statement piece, put it in the waiting room.”
Your work space: Keep things uncluttered and simple
Most therapy offices include a therapy area and a work area. Keep your desk uncluttered so you don’t distract your clients (or unknowingly violate another one’s privacy). Investing in a few file cabinets or locking drawers can help keep your workspace tidy while making it easy to find what you’re looking for in a pinch.
Consider adding simple decor or a plant to your desk, but err on the side of caution when it comes to personal touches (such as family photos) that could be distracting or affect your client-therapist relationship. When it comes to your actual desk space, Mastangreli recommends choosing a versatile desk, like a sit-to-stand desk, paired with an ergonomic chair that supports good posture. When you’re more comfortable, you’ll be able to better serve your clients in therapy sessions!
Overall vibe: Shoot for welcoming, cozy, and clean
Think of your therapy office as an extension of your home — meaning, do whatever you can to be hospitable. You may not be serving your clients dinner and drinks, but you can make them feel welcome by keeping the office clean and organized, with a functional layout and thoughtful, welcoming aesthetic.
To keep your space looking clean, keep a doormat in the entryway to prevent spreading dirt around the office. Add a simple rug to the floor for an element of softness and to cover up dirt and dust that might look glaring on light or dark flooring). An air purifier can keep the space smelling fresh (rather than strongly scented candles, which might be irritating to some clients). On that note, when you’re cleaning, avoid strongly scented products; instead, opt for unscented or naturally-scented cleaners (such as products formulated with essential oils).
Decorative objects: Don’t overdo it, and keep function in mind
Decorative objects can accent your office space and help it feel pulled together. Use common objects such as books, small sculptures from local artists, and photography to decorate, but be mindful to avoid a cluttered feel. Accent pillows and a soft blanket or two on your couch or chairs lend a cozy feel during therapy sessions; you can also keep fidget toys next to the couch or on the coffee table for clients to use during sessions.
Decorating for telehealth
Even if you’re exclusively practicing telehealth and don’t have a dedicated office, your visible surroundings should look clean, organized, and welcoming. Add a few aesthetic touches, such as a large plant, or a bookshelf in the background for your virtual sessions. Generally, a simpler background is more conducive to focus for sessions; a gallery wall, for example, may be distracting to clients. Make sure the “office” space is well-lit, but not too bright, so clients can see your face, and invest in a ring light to put in front of your computer, if needed.
Whether you’re practicing in person, online, or a combination of both, taking these simple-yet-thoughtful steps to make your practice space look warm and professional can help build a sense of trust and rapport with your clients.
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