Summary: A 16 year old boy, Sonny brought in by his dad concerned about his son’s decline in academic performance as well as his attitude in general. He grew increasingly helpless as he noticed his son’s behaviour worsen towards everyone.
After taking a client history, without much talking, we started our session. I made it clear to him that he needs to own the sessions and make it his therapy not his dad’s. In the beginning he seemed to struggle to settle in but eventually relaxed and the session continued. As is usually the case he would fall in and out of sleep. Sonny was a bit ‘out of it’ when they left but felt relaxed and calm.
I followed up with the dad a few days later and he had noticed a significant shift in his son’s attitude. A few weeks later they visited again and we had a similar session where they confirmed the positive change in general. This time Sonny was more receptive and relaxed, almost looking forward to another session.
I got a call a few months later and it was the father informing me that Sonny had asked him to make an appointment “he needed a tune up!” We set an appointment and had another fruitful session. They also informed me that there was a significant increase in his performance at school as was visible in his results. I saw them a few times again thereafter whenever he needed a “tune up”.
The power of true ‘listening’ and ‘reflecting’ on all levels should not be underestimated. The skilled therapist holds the client in a safe, non judgemental manner, respectful of the body’s innate inclination towards wellness. Our aim is not to fix, just to facilitate.