As a licensed clinical professional counselor, my practice has evolved significantly since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of my sessions transitioned to telehealth, a format that, while effective, sometimes limits the depth of physical and emotional engagement. Recently, I had a profoundly moving in-person session with a longtime client who has been struggling with severe trauma and an eating disorder. This session marked a significant departure from our usual approach and opened new pathways for healing.
A New Approach to Trauma Therapy
My client has a long history of severe trauma, making it difficult for her to feel comfortable in her own body. Recognizing the need for a different approach, we began extending our session times, allowing her more space to assimilate and feel at ease. Today’s session, however, was unique and unexpectedly transformative.
Integrating Movement into Therapy
For the last 10-15 minutes of our extended session, I decided to incorporate gentle movement—a departure from our typical telehealth sessions, which have rarely included any physical activities. I sat on the floor, facing away from my client to reduce any pressure or self-consciousness she might feel, and began demonstrating small, mindful movements.
Guiding the Movements
I led her through simple movements: placing palms up and down, reaching arms upward and outward, and extending legs and moving feet. Each time, I asked her to gauge her level of discomfort or comfort on a scale of low, moderate, to high. This mindful approach was designed to help her reconnect with her body in a gentle and safe manner.
A Breakthrough Moment
Midway through the session, my client posed a deeply insightful question: “How do you know where your center is? I only know where my center is when I’m looking in the mirror.” This question revealed a profound disconnect between her sense of self and her physical body, a common experience among those with trauma and eating disorders.
Finding Her Center
Her question sparked a pivotal moment in our session. I realized that helping her discover her center without relying on external validation was crucial for her healing journey. We continued the session, focusing on internal sensations and fostering an awareness of her body from within, rather than through external reflections.
Practical Steps for Continued Healing
To support her continued progress, I provided her with a few simple exercises to practice at home:
1. Palms Up, Palms Down: A gentle way to begin noticing and regulating internal sensations.
2. Arm Reaches: Encouraging a sense of expansion and connection to her physical space.
3. Leg Extensions and Foot Movements:** Grounding exercises to enhance bodily awareness.
These exercises aim to help her safely integrate movement into her daily routine, fostering a deeper connection to her body and a greater sense of internal balance.
Today’s session was one of the most profound I’ve experienced in my practice. It opened a new door for my client, allowing her to start accessing her body in a way that felt safe and empowering. By gently guiding her through mindful movements and addressing her insightful questions, we made significant strides in her healing journey. This experience underscored the importance of flexibility and innovation in therapeutic approaches, particularly for clients with complex trauma histories. I look forward to continuing this journey with her and exploring new ways to support her in finding her center and embracing her body with compassion and confidence.
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