PRACTICE

            In the therapeutic world, you may hear individuals refer to “my practice.” Usually, they are referring to a place where they, yes – practice their therapy. I don’t often hear therapists say I am practicing therapy.  You might hear doctors say I practice medicine, but I have not come across physicians that often use that phrasing. It almost hints at patients as something to be “tried out” on.  Wouldn’t it be funny if medical practitioners said “I am going to practice (fill in the blank with whatever medical specialty) today.  In essence though, isn’t that what people who work in medicine, physical or otherwise, do?  Each treatment is an opportunity to refine the craft of meeting patient’s needs.

            When considering joining a private practice, therapists are basically saying that they want to focus their treatment on individuals in a smaller, usually one on one population.  They may treat couples, families or even groups at a private practice. What is really happening behind the doors of a therapist’s office – what does practicing look like? Anyone who has ever experienced one on one therapy or therapy with a single provider, knows what it CAN be like. Each therapist has a unique style that may have a special focus (cognitive behavioral therapy, talk therapy, trauma focused therapy, etc.). I consider myself a practitioner that uses multiple modalities when working with clients.

            So, when treatment is occurring, practice involves meeting the needs of each client with individual attention using a variety of techniques. This of course involves a great deal of listening. A therapist may provide feedback, reflect, and observe – question. Therapists may also share insights – educate (something that I include frequently) and even do things like assigning homework. Whatever that practice involves, it should hopefully include meeting the clients’ specific needs with individualized care.

            For myself, I do look at working with clients as a practice. I see each client as a chance to refine and grow my skill set as a therapist. Each client brings a new opportunity to absorb their experience and give more evolved treatment. Clients are always changing – hopefully growing (but not always) and assimilating. Hopefully, therapists are looking to change, grow and enhance their skills.

            I like to use Buddhist insights/teachings as part of my own mental health care and will often share them with clients. I see Buddhism as a psychology of sorts that has practical day to day lessons that can be applied immediately. I might say that I practice Buddhism but that doesn’t land quite right with me.  I think it might be more appropriate to say that I include Buddhist psychology as part of my practice or even more broadly, integrate “eastern philosophy.”  I find that the more you label your style, the more boxed in you can become. I will give further information about how I include these styles of thought and experiences in future posts. For now, I will just say that these practices assist me in being mindful of not only my own real time experience but my client’s experience as well.

 

Thanks so much for reading,

 

Andy