The Therapy Room

I have practiced in many therapy rooms over the years, some no bigger than a broom closet, others, make shift spaces which would morph into an office as soon as the client left the room. Even in these small, unassuming places, the therapy room has held a certain magic, a promise of something, a creation of a relationship of meaning, of importance. The decor matters, the space matters.

The Therapy room is a manifestation of the holding I give to my client. It is part of the framework, it contains the relationship, it allows for the expansion of the self, and aspects of the shadow to come forth, in safety, with an empathetic witness.

The Therapy room needs to be the same room, each week, not just in location, but in what it contains. Consistency and reliability is essential in order to begin to build upon that inner safety for the client. If their room is the same each week, then it is something to depend on.

Room essentials include, but are not limited to: a clock (preferably not a noisy ticking one), tissues (many), comfy seating and cushions, books (also many), and two vulnerable people, open to exploration and to each other (this may take time).

The walls of the therapy room have heard everything there is to hear. Noisy inner worlds, fantasies, hopes, fears, dreams, and it holds its secrets close. A room where old and present wounds are played out in safety. It accepts tears, laughter, howls and everything of what it means to be human.