July 2023

Written By Gretchen Murchison

🐰🐰 Therapy is Sacred Space… & other mid-year reminders  

“I've realized therapy is incredibly therapeutic.” ― Lisa Schroeder

The only constant is change...

The transition of work and other activities to our homes three years ago happened quickly. Many of us were introduced to remote work for the first time and we began to gather virtually for work meetings, allowing our coworkers glimpses into our homes and blurring the lines between work and personal spaces.

The stress we faced during that time also led to thousands of people seeking therapy support, many for the first time. Many therapists were able to transition to online practices, opening virtual offices allowing people to access care from the safety and comfort of their homes.

Historically, therapy rooms have been held as sacred: private space designed as sanctuary to support deep, emotional work. Confidentiality is a tenet of therapeutic work, and therapists and clients have had to be creative in establishing quiet, secure spaces to hold sessions. Privacy allows for open communication, for vulnerability, for the exchange of unedited ideas. When others are introduced into the treatment space, when there is an audience, we may feel the need to modify our responses. Our partners who randomly wander into the room while we are in session may not fully appreciate the need for this sanctuary space; it becomes imperative for you to set that boundary.

So how can you prepare for a session at home?

  • Choose a suitable location: Select a room or area that is quiet, private, and free from distractions. Ideally, it should be a space where you can feel comfortable and relaxed. Select a room that is a neutral space in your home. A home office, den, or guest bedroom may be most ideal. Your bedroom is not a recommended space to have a session. Emotions tend to become anchored in certain spaces, and we want to be sure your bedroom remains a peaceful, quiet space to encourage rest and calm.

  • Confidentiality and privacy: Ensure that the therapy space respects your confidentiality and privacy. Take steps to ensure that sensitive information or conversations cannot be overheard by others who are not part of the session.

  • Clear the space: Before your session, take a few moments to physically clear your space. Remove any clutter, unnecessary objects, or items that may be distracting. Consider using natural elements like plants or flowers to bring a sense of calmness and tranquility to the room.

  • Have a notebook and pen ready: Jot down your goals for session, takeaways, and follow up activities.

  • Comfortable seating: Arrange comfortable seating, such as a supportive chair or a couch, with cushions or blankets available if desired, so that you feel physically at ease. Have a box of tissues and a glass of water or mug of tea readily available.

  • Set the lighting: Lighting plays a crucial role in creating the right ambiance. Adjust the lighting to be soft and gentle, avoiding harsh or fluorescent lights. Dimmers or soft lamps can help create a warm and soothing atmosphere.

  • Mindful decorations: Decorate the space mindfully, incorporating elements that promote a sense of serenity and introspection. This could include artwork, meaningful quotes, symbols, or affirmations that resonate with the therapeutic process.

  • Rituals or grounding exercises: Prepare for each therapy session with a ritual or grounding exercise to set the tone and create a transition from the outside world to the therapeutic space. This could involve a short meditation, breathing exercise, or a moment of silence to encourage presence and focus.

  • Reflective closure: End each therapy session with a reflective closure to provide a sense of completion and integration. This could involve a brief summary of the session, a gratitude practice, or a moment of silence to allow you to reflect on your experience.

  • Nurture yourself: Take five minutes for some gentle stretching, and remember to hydrate. 💛

Remember, creating a sacred space is a personal and individualized process. It's important to consider your specific needs and preferences to establish an environment that supports your therapeutic journey.

Some Important Housekeeping Items

  • Please take a few minutes to update your address and emergency contact information in the Grow Therapy portal.

  • Planning to travel out of state? Professional licenses limit where therapists can practice. I am currently licensed to practice in Florida, Indiana, Maine, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Washington, and West Virginia. If you plan to travel outside those states and want to have a session, please check in with me to see if we are able to arrange it.

  • Ready for a break? If you are considering taking a break from therapy, or if you feel we have met your therapy goals, let’s talk about a plan to sustain your progress after we end sessions.

  • Scheduling: 

        • I will be taking a few days off in the middle of the month (July 16-18) and, looking ahead, August 17-24).  If our regular session time will be impacted, let's talk about choosing a different day.

        • This season gets busy with Summer festivities, travel, and more activities on your social calendar.  Family, friends, and fun are priorities in our lives, and am happy to reschedule our session times when you have something enjoyable to do (or otherwise important!).  Please remember to cancel or reschedule your appointments with as much advance notice as possible so that we can reschedule and I can offer the session time to someone else. No shows and late cancelations (fewer than 4 hours notice) are subject to a no show charge.

  • Crisis Numbers:   

I recommend adding these to your contacts in your phone. If you don't need them, you might be able to share them with someone who does.

Unique & special July holidays:  

Some of my favorites:

Capture the Sunset Week: 3rd week in July

National Blueberry Month & National Watermelon Month

July 3 National Compliment Your Mirror Day

July 7 Global Forgiveness Day

July 25 Aunt and Uncle Day

I'm grateful to know you and I thank you for letting me be a part of your journey.  Please let me know if there is anything more I can be doing to support you.

"My life, I realize suddenly, is July. Childhood is June, and old age is August, but here it is, July, and my life, this year, is July inside of July." - Rick Bass

Credits:

  • (http://holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/july.htm)

Gretchen Murchison
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