Posted by Penny on June 27, 2003, at 9:01:11
In reply to I'm losing my safe space tomorrow, posted by Dinah on June 26, 2003, at 22:27:31
My old therapist changed offices while I was seeing her. Although it was strange at first, in the end I liked her new office better. In this case, she was seeing me at first in an office she shared with other people. When she left the practice to go out on her own, she moved, but she didn't take anything with her as the stuff in the office wasn't her own. The one thing I remember most about the old office was this wolf picture hanging on the wall behind where she sat. I love wolves and once told her how much I enjoyed looking at that picture. She said that some people were disturbed by it and preferred that it not be there.
When she moved, the new stuff was all hers. The couch was nicer and more comfortable, the lighting was softer, there were big windows you could see out of, although they were to my back, her degrees and certificates were hanging on the wall. As I said, it was strange at first, but in the end, I liked it better.
Now I'm with a new therapist in a new office. And her office is much different than my last therapist's office. This one is more dimly lit, busier with more books and more 'clutter', has a comfortable couch and these cool chairs where she sits. But my favorite thing? She has a bird feeder that sits in her window. It curves into the room like a little ledge with a window on it so you can see inside. The birds come and feed on the ledge and you can get a good look at them. There's a pair of cardinals we've watched for a long time, and one time we saw them feed each other. She really likes birds and has been a birdwatcher most of her life. So, what did I do? Bought my own bird feeder to hang on my balcony, and whenever I watch the birds, I think of her. It's a really nice reminder of the safety I feel with her.
I have confidence that things will be okay. The new space will be uncomfortable at first, but you'll grow used to it soon, I think.
Penny
> My therapist's office is the place I go when I need a safe space for creative visualization. The light and room colors are so wonderfully soothing. No matter what time of day or what the weather, there is just a wonderful glow to the room. It's like a Thomas Kinkade painting. And tomorrow is my last visit there before he moves.
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> I feel like I'm losing a good friend. Or even part of the therapy experience. I'm afraid it just won't feel as safe somewhere else. He's not really that effective over the phone. How do I know he can be magic anywhere but in that office? In fact, maybe it's the office that's magic, and he's just there.
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> There's a lot of objectively rotten things in my life going on right now. But somehow losing that office is right at the top of the list for me, and I suspect it's got a lot to do with my recent upsurge in anxiety, although there are lots of contributors. And yet that feels so foolish. It's just a room. But it's not just a room. :(
poster:Penny
thread:237390
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20030529/msgs/237471.html