Themes in the counseling room
I am fascinated with systems, themes, and patterns. My mind has always wanted to understand. Understand how things worked. Understand how and why certain things are the way they are. Wondering if they could be changed or why someone wasn’t asking a different question. I am sure I was a real delight to be around as a kid!
I remember one time in third grade we had a substitute teacher. This teacher was there to babysit us and I couldn’t understand why I needed to be there. If we weren’t going to learn what was the point? I remember asking all these questions because it did not make sense to me.
I guess, I have never taken things at face value and I tend to be a bit contrarian – just ask my husband. In some ways, this has served me well, and, in some ways, not. Since I look at many different angles, I see things in the counseling room that catch my attention. I also know it can be difficult for loved ones when I want to dig a bit deeper and know more.
I have never been one for small talk, even as a teenager. I could meet someone and before they knew it and even me, I'd be asking them about their family. I wanted to understand them in the context of their family system. I didn't have words for that then but I do now. I imagine this is why I was drawn to the counseling world. Dissecting patterns, systems, and themes and helping clients make sense of who they are.
So, why are we talking about systems, patterns, and themes you might be asking…
For professional growth, I take a look at different patterns and themes I see in my office. Sometimes I read up on this theme. Sometimes I watch a YouTube video or google for relevant articles. Other times I explore this theme in supervision or consultation. Over the last year, these four themes were in my practice:
Communication
Play
Boundaries/overextending
Needs
The next chapter of the blog will be on how to increase communication, increase play, increase boundaries, and increase understanding of personal needs. I hope that you learn something useful and if you want me to expand even more on these topics please let me know. Each week a new blog will come out on one of the above topics.
If you are interested in working with a counselor or therapist in Ogden, Utah head on over to this about page and see if we’d be a good fit. I also serve all Utah residents via online therapy. Find out more here.
