Personal Reflections of a Therapist

In my most recent session of the Peer Supervision Series: Expanding the Therapist’s Interior Landscape, sponsored by Onlinevents, we discussed personal reflections of a therapist after the session has ended.

My goal with the Peer Supervision Series is to encourage psychotherapists to explore what they are experiencing when they are in session with their clients. As therapists and helpers, we are trained to listen and help the client navigate their lives- to encourage clients toward new insight. But what about the therapist?

I like to think of therapists as lightworkers. They chose their profession because they want to be of service but they also want to be a bright light for the world. For anyone to do this, a certain amount of introspection is required.

Be the change you wish to see in the world. ~ Gandhi

It is not just the client who is invited to change, it is the therapist who also receives the invitation. Just by therapeutic engagement, the helper can heal too. In fact, as therapists, we should expect to be called to grow after each and every encounter.

Writing and Reflecting

I asked participants to think of a recent client session and then I gave the writing prompt with instructions to write for 5 minutes- stream of consciousness, active imagination, free association, channeled or automatic writing- see what is revealed~

Name 1 or 2 issues/concerns/problems in your own life that this session raised for you.

After writing, they went into a triad breakout for 15 minutes to discuss with their colleagues, what had them stirred.

When we reconvened, I gave another 5-minute journal prompt:

Name 2 or 3 gifts and 1 or 2 areas of growth that you noticed within yourself as you reflected on the client session.

And again, they went into a triad breakout for 15 minutes. I asked them to reflect on any ways they have been called to change as a result of the client session and resulting reflections.

These workshops, held once a month for 1 hour, are opportunities for therapists to appreciate and be appreciated. I give prompts and they write, reflect and engage in conversation. It is not particularly formulaic, but it is powerful. These engagements can often bring new meaning to the therapist’s work.

And if a therapist closes a session in reflection of their own personhood- what envelope was pushed, what new growing edge was revealed, what significant skill or gift came to light? Wow. I bet that therapeutic engagement will blossom and both parties will be filled with more light. Afterall, it is not a one-way street. It’s a two lane highway. It’s a therapeutic relationship. Keyword: RELATIONSHIP