Hi all,
Just in need of advice really. While being trained, and now that I'm a therapist I've been told to "Let go" of the problems and emotions that are affecting the client, but never been taught how. Is there a technique you use? Also if a client is sensitive or themselves a healer are they able to take on board problems you may have?
Thank you for reading
Bubbles
Hi blinkinbubbles,
That's a good point about being told to "let go" of clients problems without being given any tools to do it.
I personally find the following very useful:
* EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) - if I use this in the session with client, in addition to talk therapy, I find that their problems (no matter how difficult or traumatic) do not "stick" to me and I often feel better after the session than before the session. If, however, we talk during the session without using EFT, their "stuff" can stay with me for quite a few hours or even days unless I take some action to let go of it - again, EFT tends to work quicker for me than anything else in this case.
* If for any reason I don't feel 100% before a session starts, I will spend a few minutes preparing, which could include EFT, grounding, centering, having a drink of water or whatever you feel you need at the time.
* Keeping grounded during the session to avoid "merging" with client's emotions and problems - depending on what kind of therapy you do it may or may not be convenient, but as I normally work sitting down, I make sure that both of my feet are firmly on the floor and that I am sitting in a balanced posture in my chair - if I notice my posture changing during the session - e.g. leaning forward too much (which can restrict breathing), or sitting in a lopsided position, I will shift my posture back to a more balanced one. In a grounded, balanced state you are much less likely to pick up client's "stuff".
*Supervision is very important - in some branches of therapy it is seen as a bit of a "luxury" but I feel it is essential to any practising therapist
I am aware some therapists use visualisations of "shields" and other protective symbols in order to shield themselves from client's negativity - I do not find this necessary and, moreover, I feel such defensive measures could potentially interfere with our connection and rapport with the client - but I know that I do need to take responsibility for my own emotional, mental and energetic state before, during and after the session, to avoid "falling into" client's trauma.
Masha
when you work with an attitude of a vehicle, of healing/energy, it is easier to see clearly that it is actually nothing to do with you. It is just happening and you are present as a catalyst.
Then you keep your intention aligned to the best outcome that the energy would naturally bring about for them, suitable to their unique condition/ path. and you let go of any expectations of what you would like them have as a result of their time with you.
Once you surrender to the energy/process it becomes impossibe to get entangled with outcomes.
The therapist takes on the clients problems only if they feel that they can 'give' something to the client. Because they think their effort making the client feel better etc. Otherwise it is just a process and it flows beautifully on its own. Get out of the way and let it be done.
Imagine that you are going to another therapist for healing. You would be more concerned that you will be healed than taking on board their problems. So should a healer coming to you unless they have the wrong intentions for their healings, or they can't switch off.
Hope that answers your second question ....
Protecting yourself
This is such an important issue and it really bothers me that more isn't taught about it during training. Although I agree entirely with jnani it isn't always that simple, particularly when you are starting out.
If you're working with your client's energy there is an inevitable amount of crossover and this isn't great in the long term. You really do need to make sure that you are well protected and able to detach completely at the end of a session. This applies whatever the form your healing work takes.
I originally trained as a Cranio-sacral therapist and had several different methods that I used regularly throughout the day between clients.
1. There are some great Chi Kung Exercises to do between clients that flush your energy system so it can re-fill with fresh Chi. I strongly recommend that you learn some basic Chi Kung and use it regularly between clients. Five or ten minutes really makes a difference.
2. Tune in to your Angels/Guides/Higher self and open a 'coning' of protection at the beginning of your day, not forgetting to close it at the end of the day. Establish a regular ritual around your practice so you are in the habit of being in partnership with your support team, they are there to help you whenever you are open to their help. A short meditation to open the connection and ask for the specific help you feel you need will establish the link and to disconnect, a short meditation giving thanks. They love it!
3. There are several Flower Essences that are specific for creating and strengthening energetic boundaries which I found brilliant to support me with this issue, you can PM me if you would like further information on these.