Response and responsibilty

A quick explanation about the title...
As a clinician, responding is what I do, and what I observe, and what I experience.
Responsibility is what leads me to respond professionally, compassionately, ethically and encouragingly.
The two words to me sum up my work and leads to ideas like presence, authenticity and ethics

We'll see where we go from here

A lesson in empathy

I have spent a long time not posting.
Initially because I didn't have time ( how much time could I need)
Then because I didn't have a title ( how can I come up with a title when I don't klnow what I'll be writing about
Then because I couldn't choose between blogger and live journal ( I need to use the most user friendly one)
Then because I needed to have the right layout ( what does my layout say about me)
And finally I needed the right Avatar ( Stimpy naturally, but it took a long time to get here)

So what do I take from this process?
Well I consider it to be a similar experience to my clients, when they come seeking help. So many barriers to struggle through before opening the door.
It has taken me two weeks to write, and yet there is little stigma attached to what I do. Admittedly, there is some fear of judgement - will this be good enough?

I'm reminded of what it takes for people to turn up to the online groups that I currently facilitate. All the feelings that I experience compounded by fear, shame, stigma and hope. I am honoured that people make their way through these barriers to arrive at our door.

I'm lucky to have the chance to have a glimpse of what that can be like.