Respect

One of my clients asked me “Have you ever watched Naruto?” We were on the verge of processing some pretty heavy stuff and he said that he felt like he was a boy and I was asking him to face the gigantic demon fox that was locked away in his soul. I could see the fear in his eyes. The analogy was very fitting and I can understand how terrifying digging and processing things in therapy can be. But do you know what he did? He showed up every week, engaged in the process and was vulnerable every time he sat in that chair in my office.

I tell all my clients that therapy is not easy and that they have to give themselves credit just for showing up. It is hard enough to face these extremely emotional things, but my clients show up every week to process them with a stranger, and pay money to do it! They are amazing. To me they are so incredibly brave. For those who have ever sat across from me or any other therapist, I cannot commend you enough and you have my respect. There are a lot of people out there who run from the hurt and the pain until it catches up to them and they are forced to face it. For many it is much later in life. For many others they die with those emotional chains, never tasting true freedom because it was too scary to face. And I don’t condemn those people at all. It is scary to face. That is why when I see my clients turn to face it, my spirit gets stirred. I get excited! I love it!

I have been asked countless times “Do you think I am crazy” or some variation of that question. I laugh a little inside when people ask because nothing can be further from the truth. No I don’t think they’re crazy. Really I don’t! I think they are courageous, strong and resilient despite what progress they may or may not be seeing. Sometimes progress is just showing up.

I love my job. There are a lot of awesome things about being a psychotherapist in private practice, but the best part is witnessing my clients achieve healing and freedom. I can't tell you how rewarding it is to see the incredulous look on clients’ faces when they finally throw off the emotional chains that they have been carrying for so long.

I get thanked a lot, and each time I feel a little sheepish because it is I who am grateful to have taken part in their healing process.

To all those who face the scary demon foxes in therapy...respect.