Giving the Client Power…
A little birdie told me about a clinician working with a young male adolescent. She described awkward silent sessions and feeling that clinician dread of “stuckness”. She explored possible reasons for the silence and landed upon the potential of cultural differences. She bravely approached the subject with the youth, whom returned with a shocker of a story. He was being inappropriately harassed by his school counselor. The clinician sleuthed and discovered she resembled this perpetrator – ah ha!! Everything made sense. After speaking with the boy’s mother and the other things she needed and should do, she wondered if she was the best fit – do no harm – running through this wonderful brain of hers. She gave the boy a choice – imagine that – a young boy has given a choice, the power of it all. He chose her. She provided a corrective experience for this boy. And that, my friends, is what a birdie told me…
Why A little Birdie?
My goal for writing this blog was to highlight the remarkable work of our clinical staff. The tireless commitment to excellence from mental health providers can feel unrewarding or stagnant at times. I would send these “anonymous” shout out messages to all staff when I heard of some great and outstanding growth – the little birdie told me.. was a way to communicate this to everyone in a quick and meaningful way. Shining moments should be recognized.
Then, I realized I neglected to emphasize the courage and resiliency of our wonderful clients. The work begins with them. So, I began to write about magnificent moments of insight and daring movements of change. Our clients are remarkable.
We decided to share these little messages with you all.
So, I hope you all read through this blog with the spirit of which it was intended. To shed positive thoughts into our world.