Lessons from Improvisational Therapy
I recently read Improvisational Therapy: A Practical Guide for Creative Clinical Strategies by Bradford Keeney, and it impacted how I think about my own practice of therapy. Keeney offers a refreshing, creative perspective that challenges the traditional, structured views of psychotherapy. I want to share a few key insights from this book that I believe can inspire other counselors to open up to a more flexible, intuitive, and authentic approach to their work.
1. Therapy as a Creative, Performing Art
Keeney’s first major point is that therapy is more like a performing art than a medical science. This isn’t to say that therapy lacks structure or skill, but rather that it benefits from flexibility and responsiveness in the moment. As therapists, we can never truly know what a client may present to us. Just as a jazz musician improvises based on the rhythm and mood of a piece, therapists are invited to attune to their client’s unique needs and to adapt creatively to the unfolding conversation.
This goes against the popular idea of trying to fit the client into a prescribed theory or method. In this way, therapy becomes a dynamic exchange where the counselor can move beyond structured techniques and truly respond to what arises in each session. This perspective helps counselors approach their work with openness, spontaneity, and a deep respect for each client's individuality.
2. Clinical Theories as “Songs,” Not Dogma
Keeney suggests we view therapeutic theories as “songs” we can play rather than rigid doctrines we must adhere to for life. Each counselor/psychology theory—from cognitive-behavioral to psychoanalytic—reflects the personal insights and experiences of its authors, serving as that person’s unique justification for their clinical work. Musicians don’t spend their entire careers playing one song. Instead, they develop a whole repertoire of songs to play, according to the needs and context of the audience.
Keeney encourages counselors to approach theories as sources of inspiration rather than definitive truths. Instead of viewing ourselves as followers and executors of a particular school of thought, we can think of ourselves as performing artists, drawing from various theories to shape and inform our own therapeutic style. When we see theories as flexible, we’re empowered to combine, throw away, integrate, reverse, or substitute different elements of wisdom creatively and make adjustments that fit both our style and our clients’ needs. This also lifts some of the undue pressure many counselors experience due to the inherent difficulty of ‘sticking to a particular school of thought’ across many clients over an extended period.
Counselors are invited to participate in the creation of their own therapeutic ‘songs’.
3. Embrace Creativity, Presence, and Spontaneity as Healing Tools
Finally, Keeney emphasizes the power of creativity, presence, and spontaneity in the therapeutic process. He encourages counselors to lean into the unexpected and to trust their intuition as a source of healing and guidance throughout a session. Some of the most meaningful moments in therapy can arise spontaneously when both counselor and client are fully present and open to the flow of conversation. Most of us have experienced the transformative type of conversation that borders on the edge of the known and unknown, and this is what we are aiming for. We can go from feeling impoverished psychologically to feeling restored and resourceful.
Allowing ourselves to improvise, rely on our skills and knowledge, and respond naturally can foster a therapeutic relationship that feels more resonant, personable, and alive for clients. Keeney’s approach suggests that by embracing the artistic side of therapy, we create space for genuine connection and insight, leading to a more impactful experience for clients.
Improvisational Therapy reminds us that therapy can be a creative, adaptive process rather than a rigid science. By viewing therapy as a performing art, understanding theories as adaptable “songs,” and allowing ourselves to be present, creative, and spontaneous, we can cultivate a more authentic and effective practice. Keeney’s insights invite counselors to step into their role as artists, crafting a therapeutic style that reflects their true selves and resonates meaningfully with clients. There is a powerful effect when two minds join together with their collective knowledge and confront the unknown which is the outcome of a real authentic dialogue.
-Spencer Thorn, LPC