It has been over a year since I wrote a blog entry. I wonder how many even read them but I just took a class on communication and boundaries, so thought it the perfect time to put down some thoughts on the subject. Ethics courses have been a requirement for renewal of our licensure for several years now and I think they are even more important in today’s climate.
During the pandemic there were a lot of on-line courses that I did. I recall one, a trauma conference, and one presenter in particular who spoke about the need for clients to feel safe,. I have asked the question to many of you at the end of our session that he also posed, “What is the #1 job of the brain?” I would pause to give my client time to consider the answer before revealing the answer…Have you thought of it yet? He said nothing could be gained from a session unless the client was in rest and digest mode; your nervous system in a state of calm, with a feeling of safety.
The brain”s #1 job is to keep us alive! Survival. Many of my clients experience anxiety. They are often in fight/flight mode. Life is challenging! I practice a technique that I learned from my Osteopath instructor to help calm the nervous system before attempting anything else in the hopes of helping them feel safe and able to receive the work.
Now I have a request. I would appreciate any Feedback you have to offer. Did you feel safe and comfortable on my table and in my presence? Did you feel heard and seen? Did you gain anything from the experience?
In the early stages of my practice I would reach out after a first session with a client to see how they felt and how they may have integrated the session.. I stopped because I didn’t want anyone to feel pressured to respond. I didn’t want the inquiry to make them uncomfortable. Now I wonder if I was overthinking it- when a client comes for one or three sessions and I don’t see them again I ask myself, “Did I resolve your issue and you no longer needed any work, (best case scenario)or the opposite?
I know this work is very personal and understand the choice to work with me is yours. Please know that my goal is to offer a safe space and to do my best to meet expectations with humble curiosity. Much gratitude for the trust you place in my hands. I take that seriously.