Excellent essay Jeff! 👏 You are validating the work of the great Carl Rogers who defined the main ingredients that make therapy work (warmth, understanding, respect, genuineness etc) which apply to all human relationships as well.
Your fine example of talking to the woman who viewed her grief as a "weakness" reminds me of the great question: "Would you treat someone you love who was in your situation the way you're treating yourself?" That sometimes shocks people about their lack of self-empathy/kindness and puts them on a better path forward.
Excellent essay Jeff! 👏 You are validating the work of the great Carl Rogers who defined the main ingredients that make therapy work (warmth, understanding, respect, genuineness etc) which apply to all human relationships as well.
Your fine example of talking to the woman who viewed her grief as a "weakness" reminds me of the great question: "Would you treat someone you love who was in your situation the way you're treating yourself?" That sometimes shocks people about their lack of self-empathy/kindness and puts them on a better path forward.
Thanks Baird! I used that very example you mention with the same client actually, just didn’t mention it here. Big lesson for her.