Hope the eyes are improving Jacky - I know how unsettling it can feel when everything is out of focus - I had cataract ops this year but great improvement afterwards. I really liked your piece on integrity/authenticity and seeking connection. Gave me lots of food for thought. You asked for feedback re the video. I think your boundary is correct. We all have different aspects of ourselves and wear different hats and it can be challenging to know how much of these facets to share with others. It’s not about hiding parts of ourselves, more about discernment about which parts of ourselves it is appropriate to share with whom. As The Therapeutic Poet you can perform, poke fun, play but the qualities looked for in the intimate trust of a therapist demand a different aspect of yourself. Reconciling all the integral parts which make up the whole of our unique selves is both a journey of discovery and a balancing act, holding onto and honouring the different aspects of ourselves and choosing how to show up in the work takes courage and discernment. You manage the balance well x
Thanks Angela, eyes are definitely improving! I really appreciate your comments and it is definitely a balancing act.
After I wrote this piece I checked in with some therapist friends and even a couple of clients whom I have a well established relationship with. It was a useful discussion with each person; each of whom shared that they acknowledged and appreciated my self reflection, but that also they felt that the poetry clip made me more approachable.
Poetry, I think, often acts as social commentary: a mirror to society and the experience of being alive. Sometimes a therapist can reflect back a client's experience like a mirror, but it is only (in my opinion) beneficial when the therapeutic relationship is a safe enough container to hold that reflection. That is done through the therapist's own self awareness of the stuff they bring into the therapeutic relationship and their ability to maintain unconditional positive regard for their client.
Then of course, there is the personal element of 'to thine own self be true'; of having a considered approach, which is grounded in alignment to my values rather than acting out of fear of the reactions of others.
That's ALL to say that writing the piece made me decide to check out my decision and sound out my reasons for posting/not posting. For the reasons above, I did post it in the end😳.
On the one hand I'm sheepish about changing my mind and I don't think that there is a right or wrong answer. I wonder if sharing my struggle with figuring out the balance is in itself helpful and that, even though posting it may be a questionable decision, opening up the discussion about self awareness around our actions could, as you say, offer helpful food for thought.
Hope the eyes are improving Jacky - I know how unsettling it can feel when everything is out of focus - I had cataract ops this year but great improvement afterwards. I really liked your piece on integrity/authenticity and seeking connection. Gave me lots of food for thought. You asked for feedback re the video. I think your boundary is correct. We all have different aspects of ourselves and wear different hats and it can be challenging to know how much of these facets to share with others. It’s not about hiding parts of ourselves, more about discernment about which parts of ourselves it is appropriate to share with whom. As The Therapeutic Poet you can perform, poke fun, play but the qualities looked for in the intimate trust of a therapist demand a different aspect of yourself. Reconciling all the integral parts which make up the whole of our unique selves is both a journey of discovery and a balancing act, holding onto and honouring the different aspects of ourselves and choosing how to show up in the work takes courage and discernment. You manage the balance well x
Thanks Angela, eyes are definitely improving! I really appreciate your comments and it is definitely a balancing act.
After I wrote this piece I checked in with some therapist friends and even a couple of clients whom I have a well established relationship with. It was a useful discussion with each person; each of whom shared that they acknowledged and appreciated my self reflection, but that also they felt that the poetry clip made me more approachable.
Poetry, I think, often acts as social commentary: a mirror to society and the experience of being alive. Sometimes a therapist can reflect back a client's experience like a mirror, but it is only (in my opinion) beneficial when the therapeutic relationship is a safe enough container to hold that reflection. That is done through the therapist's own self awareness of the stuff they bring into the therapeutic relationship and their ability to maintain unconditional positive regard for their client.
Then of course, there is the personal element of 'to thine own self be true'; of having a considered approach, which is grounded in alignment to my values rather than acting out of fear of the reactions of others.
That's ALL to say that writing the piece made me decide to check out my decision and sound out my reasons for posting/not posting. For the reasons above, I did post it in the end😳.
On the one hand I'm sheepish about changing my mind and I don't think that there is a right or wrong answer. I wonder if sharing my struggle with figuring out the balance is in itself helpful and that, even though posting it may be a questionable decision, opening up the discussion about self awareness around our actions could, as you say, offer helpful food for thought.
💕✨