Therapy on Tuesday

I thought I would begin to put a post a week on one of my passions ... my work as a therapist. We'll see how it goes!

Why people decide to meet with a therapist can be many reasons - personal crisis, relationship challenges, depression, anxiety, losses in their lives, to mention a few. It takes much courage to walk through our office and sit down and share your life. I find it a privilege when someone is willing to do so. Although I meet with clients with multiple issues my specialty has become grief and loss. After my time at the Moran Eye Center working with clients who were losing their vision and other organizations: The Sharing Place, Cancer Wellness House, and Caring Connection; I found this area to be my passion. Last year I completed the certification to be a Certified Thanatologist - perhaps simply a little more alphabet soup behind my name as one of my professors used to refer to it. My current client load consists of clients from age 5 - 78. Each is so unique in their grief and the journey they are on.

Grief gatherings as we call them, can be so helpful to those who are grieving a loss. I am working on organizing our next groups for the Fall. I love creating these groups. Groups become an opportunity for friendships to be formed, healing to begin, and a safe place to share the feelings of grief and to mourn. As the quote goes: "I will not further burden myself by trying to fit some image of a 'model griever'. The strength I have is the strength to be myself." Within each of us is the capacity to heal and in any given moment we do the best that we can.

Client after client tells me they appreciate so much those who ask how they are doing and then JUST LISTEN. 'Knowing I have company in my struggle can help me see my way through.'

Sharing such a deep part of someone's life is indeed a privilege that I treasure and look forward to.