A few weeks back I was invited as a guest on a podcast to talk a bit about perinatal mental health. The experience with @Shebreatheslife was so awesome, and it reminded me to remind you all about something.
Like to hear it, here it goes… NO ONE can tell your story better than You.
As a therapist, I believe that in order to teach effective communication skills, I also have to demonstrate what it means to listen… actively. I hold space for my clients to share their story, the good and bad. For my perinatal clients, this could be the first opportunity to share what their transition into parenthood and the birthing experience was like. For my clients living with anxiety, depression or traumatic experiences, this might be the first time they’ve had the chance to share their story without judgement or unsolicited advice. Either way, the goal is to hold space and help them to recognize how their story has directed their actions.
Certain aspects of my story led me to my current role. I knew that my truth was different than the version of the story that other people had created for me/about me. I needed to release it, for selfish and not so selfish reasons. It wasn’t because I cared about the harm that their story could cause to my efforts, but more-so about the fact that I couldn’t understand why people wouldn’t just come to the source. Like, why not just ask me, ya know?! The other part of this is that I realized how opening up about my experiences allowed the people in my circle to feel safe enough to do the same. It was like there was safety in knowing that I wasn’t alone in some of my experiences. The more I could talk about it, the less some of these things hurt.
Anywho, the work I do gives me the opportunity to help others get clear on different aspects of their lives. It allows them to acknowledge and accept their reality in a way that causes a shift in how they operate.
I don’t know about you, but I want to be the one who tells my story, because I know I’ll tell it right. Being a catalyst for someone else to feel safe enough to share theirs is an added bonus.
As always, If something resonates and you decide that you want to subscribe or access services, please reach out using the information on the Contact page or click schedule to request your free 15 min consultation. I am actively accepting clients in NC. Until next time, Take Care!
