What does it mean to arrive to therapy, both as a client and as a therapist? I most often try to show up for you as grounded as possible. This means that I might do some breathing exercises, an energy medicine routine, or simply take a small break that allows my system to clear space for my work with you. This might also mean preparing my body by walking around or doing a couple of stretches. Of course, this doesn’t always go as planned. It might be just as valuable for me to arrive as authentically human as possible. This could mean that I didn’t have a chance to catch my breath, am internally occupied, or spilled tea on my sweater just as we are about to share this sacred space. It can be powerful for both of us to drop into the moment together. I will acknowledge my experience in this moment and invite us to participate in a short meditation that not only prepares us for the session, but helps us connect in a deeper way. Life is messy and chaotic sometimes. When it makes sense, I want to model that we are all perfectly imperfect beings building experiences together.
And as a client? Here’s the most wonderful news. You get to show up exactly as you are! Arriving to therapy is a courageous act in and of itself. When we can celebrate you authentically showing up again and again, the rest of the work will fall into place.