Relational Principle #2: What's That Like For You?
Photo Credit:priscilla-du-preez-unsplash
Awareness:Who do you find that really listens to you these days? Your family? Your spouse? Your friends? Your therapist?Who do you find that is really present for you? Anybody? Nobody?Personally, I find it difficult to find many people who really listen to you today on any kind of an emotional level. The world is becoming more stressful and chaotic, and people are becoming more and more "busy" trying to survive. There is a greater disconnection from in-person activities and honestly sharing, and it only appears to be making things worse.Many people are very good at discussing day-to-day happenings such as weather, work, hobbies, sports, family, activities, school, etc. However, being able to discuss emotional material is a very different matter. Read more about vertical vs horizontal questioningHERE.As a practitioner connecting with the client, I have to try to understand what he or she is experiencing and to stay present with it. The same thing applies if someone would like to have a better understanding in any relationship they are in. One question used often in somatic work, is in effect,
"So what is that like for you?""Can you describe how that is for you?""What do you mean, exactly, when you say...?"
Ideally this question is asked:
With curiosity (Find more in this article HERE)
With Neutrality: (Find more in this article HERE)
Without judgement
Without assumptions
No preconceived story or analyzations
With Capacity and Space: (Find more in this article HERE)
With the capacity to listen and be present
With space and time to not feel rushed
"What does that feel like to you in the body? Is it a sensation? Is there a memory connected to that feeling? Is it a picture or a symbol? Is there an emotion that is present? Is there a color, shape, texture, etc, connected to it? Is it just some sort of impulse? Is it a kind of knowing but not having the words to describe it?"
My Own ExperienceHere are some rough translations of some dialogues between myself as client and a somatic practitioners to give some examples of how this might lookClient ExperiencesHere are some rough translations of some dialogues between myself as the practitioner and some clients to give some examples of how this might look Practical Application:Curious to work with me in the future? Send me a text, email, or call HERE. and I can put you on a waiting list for whenever I start up again.
*Notice: I'm glad to provide these resources to empower your personal health journey, not as a substitute for professional medical care. While I encourage sharing links, please respect the intellectual property of Mountain and Meadow Health, LLC. You are responsible for your own health outcomes. Consult with your trusted health advocates before making significant changes. Contact Evan Ritter for professional licensing."