It can take Courage to be Seen
Be Seen
As I create this post, I’m aware that this will bring visibility of me – exposure even- out in the world. Placing my views, my values, my passion – part of myself – ‘out there’. As I don’t know you yet, I wonder how you’ll receive what I’m trying to communicate. Will you understand my thought? Have I been clear enough? If you mis-understand perhaps I should ready myself for your reaction? Being seen and understood as I really am is freeing so worth the effort.
I’m mindful of the contrast between blogging and counselling – where someone IS listening. and that particular someone, your therapist, is FOR you. They will endeavour to hear you – really hear you. As they share their understanding, they’ll welcome your correction until they really ‘get’ you. A counsellor will sit with you and witness your life, as you choose to share it, they take time. With care, safety, patience and professional skill they will hold this privilege of being alongside the real you. Responding with empathy and encouragement, they will be beside you as you grow, learning from the past, gaining strength for the present and looking with hope to the future.
Be Brave
Of course when I write a blog I don’t get that kind of feedback, you read it and interpret as you choose. You get visibility of me, I don’t get visibility of you. I can’t tell if we’ve really communicated and I feel a little at risk in becoming visible. You are likely to feel a sense of that risk if you share your experiences with me in the counselling space. The first meeting between counsellor and client can feel like a hard step. It takes courage to share your story with someone you’ve just met – I can remember what that was like.
Be Wise
Just like I have chosen what to include in this first blog, you can choose to share as much as you want to share. In my experience trust grows in response to reliable experiences. Becoming visible is a journey where it is wise to take little steps. I choose to edit or take down posts if I realise I’m not happy with them. When you choose a qualified, registered counsellor you can be wise by being prepared to try someone else if you don’t get along with the first one.