Text Message: I’d like to cancel my appointment Gina
Gina: Okay, I’ll save it for you in case you change your mind.
Days go by…
Text Message: Can I keep my appointment?
Gina: Yes, of course. I have saved your time.
They meet. They work together and part ways. Gina knows the only work that happens is happening in session. They spends several more weeks in this same text, cancel and meet anyway scenario.
I’ll never give up on you, you can only give up on yourself.
Text message: Gina, I would like to cancel my appointment.
Gina: I will cancel it and see you when you are ready.
Again, days go by…
Text message: Am I being discharged?
no response from Gina, the therapist….
Gina is thinking. Thinking about the struggle of her client, about her commitment to all of her clients and the decisions she has to make as a therapist, as a business owner and as a person.
Gina: Let me know when you would like to set up another appointment.
Phone rings: Hi Gina, I would really like to come in today and talk with you. I am very down.
The meeting is your typical meeting. At the and the Gina says,
“I am not going to discharge you. I believe in you, it is you that must believe in yourself and do the work. I will leave it up to you to make the choice if you would like to continue or not. Continuing means to participate in session and at home to make the life you want to have. I hope we talk soon, have a nice day.”
They part ways.
Gina waits. The client doesn’t know that Gina thinks about it or wonders what will happen in the future. Doesn’t know that the therapist is paid for the job but also cares deeply. The client does know that it is up to them to decide and for the first time someone sees them, is there for them but they ultimately must make the choice themselves because that power of choice must be given to every client.
To grow you must first not abandon yourself.
Kristen Neal is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Clinical Director at Greenway Therapy . Learn more about her on her BIO page.
