The law of attraction - popularized in the book / movie "The Secret", has been well documented in psychological journals. When we are in a negative mood, it is natural for others to kick us when we're down. Why is that? Do people feel inately that our guard is down and the negative message they have been holding onto for years finally has an avenue it? Who knows? On the flip side when we are in a positive frame - magic takes place.
I see people in a fog all day, everyday. It can be easy to lower myself to that level and get swept into the pity party they are in the midst of. The role of a therapist is to set a tone - a positive one in which clients shift up to. When perfected therapists can handle the most difficult clients with compassion, and this ignites the dormant compassion within them!!
I have had clients in the midst of a crying spell, or in the midst of panic suddenly stop, look up at me, and ask: "How did you do that?" It is called "Containment". Yes, us therapists have our own secret language. Containment means creating a holding enviroment to release bad feelings in order to replace it good.
Today was amazing. I have been in a pretty good mood lately with the upcoming release of my first novel. I had just received a proof of the book by the publisher and even though there were a few flaws that needed addressing, it was exciting seeing my vision. No - - actuallying feeling and holding my vision in my hands. With this going on, it was natural for me to feeling positive. In my feeling positive, I was more available, more connected, and more sensitive to the clients I interacted with all day long. Plus - and this is a big plus - I actually enjoyed my own company too.
It isn't a big mystery that if a person is happy, others in close proximity will also feel happier. Why not just teach this in school, have company meetings about happiness, and make it an emphasis in this world to focus on creating more joy and less sorrow.
I saw an interesting presentation on positive psychology today. Being licensed I need to take continuing education courses and often opt to study something that is uplifting. The number one premise was for people to focus on happy, do happy things, and keep a log of the joys for the day. I hate journal writing, though understand the benefits.
In staying positive for longer and longer periods, my clients improve without me working so damn hard. Work becomes easy and joyfilled!
To my fellow therapists test this out, see how long you can remain upbeat - especially in therapuetic sessions. I think it's a whole lot better than Prozac.
:-)
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