The sacred duty of a therapist transcends conversation. It is a mutual journey, walking alongside another in their moments of profound transition, illuminating the path with kindness, understanding, and acceptance. Bearing witness and holding space as they discover, heal, and grow. At times, a therapist may be a collaborator in addressing practical life issues, strategizing and conceptualizing new routines and ways of living. In other cases, there are no opportunities for simple fixes and obvious solutions. There are no immediate answers to solve the problem a client is facing. In these moments, the mindful and accepting presence of a counselor can be of immense service. In these moments, the role of a therapist becomes that of a heart-holder, helping to lighten the load of one carrying a very heavy human heart in search of some rest and shelter.

May I become at all times, both now and forever

A protector for those without protection

A guide for those who have lost their way

A ship for those with oceans to cross

A bridge for those with rivers to cross

A sanctuary for those in danger

A lamp for those without light

A place of refuge for those who lack shelter

And a servant to all in need

The safety, serenity, and insight offered by an authentic and accepting therapeutic relationship may be a first-time experience for some clients. This may be exhilarating at times, scary in others. But as a client becomes empowered to live more fully in the here-and-now, engaging with all their parts with loving-kindness and acceptance, the therapist becomes obsolete, redirecting the relationship to the most important person in the client's life, themselves.

We are all authors telling a story. If we can be authors of our own misery, then we can be authors of our own joy. Part of the process of therapy is identifying the stories we tell ourselves and updating them where necessary. A few strategic rerwrites can change the direction of the plot at any moment, including right now.

No one can live in therapy and nor should they. Life happens out there. But there are times in our lives when the hurt of the past or the looming fear of an uncertain future keep us from living fully in our present. Therapy assists individuals in finding their own truths, inner strength, and the ability to step into their power as they explore their relationship to themselves, others, and their environment. As a client becomes empowered to live more fully in the here-and-now, engaging with all their parts with loving-kindness and acceptance, the therapist becomes obsolete.

The mindful clinician must know the difference between helping and changing. Helping empowers and expands others. Changing diminishes and puts others in your power. To help others is to be a servant. To change others is to be their master. In this journey, the therapist must be a servant to the client and their needs, assisting them in traveling to their desired destination. The Science of Psychotherapy is what works for most people. The Art of Psychotherapy is what works for the client who is sitting in front of you. The cautionary tale of the monkey and the fish exemplifies this. The monkey says, “Kindly let me help you or you’ll drown,” as he puts the fish safely up a tree. What is healthy for one is not necessarily healthy for another. What is freedom for me may be a prison for you. So, When we see we must help clients within their worldview and unique circumstances.

When we see healing not as a return to some previous state or standardized measure of functioning but as a new wholeness that incorporates the injury into our lives as a scar, we are reminded of how far we have come. Wholeness is the hallmark of healing, and wholeness incorporates all lived experiences, including the scars.

"The curious paradox is that when I accept myself exactly as I am, then I change." ~Carl Rogers

"Anything that’s human is mentionable, and anything that is mentionable can be more manageable. When we can talk about our feelings, they become less overwhelming, less upsetting, and less scary. The people we trust with that important talk can help us know that we are not alone." ~Fred Rogers