The capacity for differentiation between ourselves and our clients is critically important. So too is our ability to appreciate what our clients are going through. Sometimes putting ourselves in their shoes, at least in our imagination, can be helpful for recognizing what they can and can’t do. Plus, it helps us remain human.
Classically there’s transference and counter-transference and all the “stuff” that goes along with that. While avoiding those words I review some thoughts on how to name and keep the differentiation between ourselves and our clients when we are getting entrained, entranced or otherwise overly connected to our client’s experience.
Our most treasured question in SE is probably the classic: “What do you notice now?” This Open question preserves autonomy and empowerment for our clients as they can answer anything they like, including the dreaded “I don’t know.” At those times, realizing that there are different ways to ask questions can help practitioners keep things from
Outside the confines of the penetrating gaze is another reliable and uniquely intelligent way of seeing, one where subtle shifts of shadow and form stand out from the noise. The use of peripheral vision in SE sessions is often a learned practice and something worth exploring. It’ll help us see the more subtle postural, micro and preparatory
There’s so much interesting stuff to learn swirling around SE and the new traumatology. Sometimes we want to grab it all at once. Sometimes we need to pace out our studies. Here’s a little cheerleading for my fellow learners along the way.