Practice – What might happen in our session

 

Solution-focused practice

Our relationship is in the service of real, lasting change. It will grow and develop in collaboration based on trust and safety. Early in our work, I like to ask my clients  – “How will you know that you received what you came for?” We re-visit that question until one day we both feel that there is nowhere further to go, at least for now.

Past or present?

While I will be keenly interested in how your past has brought you here, we will not dwell there. It is far more useful to know what’s present for you now and how the best in you can unfold. Most often people stand in their own way. I work to serve as a mirror and guide, helping clients to go through or around these road blocks, while using their own growing strengths and wisdom.

Theory, practice and bridges between them

To that end, we will engage in dialogue, story-telling, relaxation, imagery, trance work, dream exploration, and pay attention to body sensations. Some say that all theory is for the comfort of the therapist. Sometimes theory can be helpful, especially when one feels lost. Yet, when I am truly present with you, aware of your pain and encouraging your hope, we are together caring for your soul.

Practical work beyond naval gazing

The change that will revitalize your life will not come from talk or from insight alone. I am always looking for an experiential dimension within the bounds of safety. We might use practical exercises and experiments that reclaim and enhance your ability to be and participate in your world. We’ll do that in the ways that suit you best.

LOST

Stand still.
The trees ahead and bushes
beside you are not lost.
Wherever you are is called Here,
and you must treat it
as a powerful stranger,
Must ask permission
to know it and be known.
The forest breathes.
Listen. It answers,
I have made this place around you.
If you leave it,
you may come back again,
saying Here.
No two trees are the same to Raven.
No two branches are the same to Wren.
If what a tree or a bush does
is lost on you,
you are surely lost. Stand still.
The forest knows where you are.
You must let it find you.

David Wagoner