At Last…..



 Busy day.
Clients for most of the day, dreaded paperwork then a foray into the communication abyss that is a GP s surgery where un joined up writing means that a clinic appointment in another town was cancelled without me being informed and another made without thought to work and life.
I didn’t get angry, I couldn’t 
And I will tell you all for why

I had a last session with a client today.
Without me knowing they left a gift and card on Bluebell 
The gift was a homemade pottery figure which loosely resembled me. 
The card was hand painted with a selection of what looked like spring flowers
In it, written carefully were the words

“ At last I’ve been heard”

85 comments:

  1. That's lovely John.

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  2. Barbara Anne5:58 pm

    A wonderful gift to be cherished from your client in exchange for your priceless gift to him or her: you listened with care.

    As for the appt. that was cancelled without notifying you, that office should have to pay you for your time and gasoline used in getting there. Many medical offices here have a fee of $25 (or more) charged if the patient cancels with less than 24 hours notice.

    Hugs!

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    1. I’ve re booked for Monday with a thin smile

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  3. Confirmation that your new path will be fulfilling and satisfying. xoxo

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    1. I’ve always advocated positive feedback at work much better the carrot than the stick

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    2. I spent years trying to explain this to my dyslexic child's school. They were/ still are, I'm sure all about criticism and complaints.

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  4. Anonymous6:02 pm

    What a wonderful thing for your client to do! Who needs that stupid film club.

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  5. I'm so pleased for you. And your client.
    And the style of gift tells me you're attracting the right clients

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    1. Well I’m not sure about that but he made me smile lol

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  6. happy hooker6:13 pm

    How lovely to be praised. It just proves what we all know, you will be a fantastic counsellor. Another cute figure to treasure, too. xx

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    1. I’m shallow and needy enough to be pleased

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    2. We all need praise, especially when it is well deserved. I'm still grinning for you. It must have been such a wonderful surprise. xx

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    3. I’m getting there as a counsellor , I’m feeling my way

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  7. There's no higher words of praise for a counsellor! Happy for you!

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  8. Krayolakris6:27 pm

    So wonderful to receive validation and appreciation…for both you and your client.

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  9. That is very special. We all want to be heard.

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  10. Oh, that's so lovely.

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  11. So validating. The little man is like one of your own clay figures but with clothes. He is the leader maybe!
    The trick w appointments is to refuse to give your email info--tell them Only Text or calls.

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  12. Yorkshire Liz7:02 pm

    Well, that is more than pointed timing, now isn't it? From yesterday's idiot version of how others see you, to the quiet delight of today's. And we all know which is the best, the most appropriate and, frankly, the most moving. The sort of compliment and caring thoughtful gift that more than makes the day.
    Just goes to show that your instinct to refine and redefine your career is the right one. People who gain you as their confidante are going to be very lucky, And will indeed be heard. Aceing it, Mr Gray!

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    1. It was a sweet thank you and one I will accept

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  13. I expect that you will get a lot more compliments like this. Your life hasn't been totally easy and you are mature enough to "listen" and try to help rather than being in it for the money. I have tried therapy several times with not much success - wish you were here! We had a group of psychiatrists who used to get together at the local bar and laugh and talk about their clients - it is an odd world.

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  14. You have made a difference to that client.

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  15. I can't imagine higher praise. And I love that dough Dolly.

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  16. Yes. Yes, yes, yes. You are indeed a counselor now.

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    1. Yesterdaydoom and gloom today bright, I’m up and down like a tarts knickers

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    3. It’s ok to chuckle

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  17. Anonymous7:50 pm

    That’s heartwarming all the way here in blustery winter.
    Bonnie in Minneapolis

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    1. Anonymous7:55 pm

      And from a cold and cloudy NewYork city

      Leex

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    2. Cheers Bonnie and Lee

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  18. I love to say i told you so ❣️

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  19. Anonymous7:57 pm

    You are appreciated and how wonderful to be given something you can look at and remember the patient and the sentiment.
    There is a specialist clinic that has two clinics. One in my neighborhood and one six miles away. Often the scheduler assumes we know appointment is the faraway clinic without saying anything. So you go to local one only to get told it was at faraway one and Doctor is booked for three weeks.

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    1. I must steel myself to the nhs non joined up thinking

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  20. Listening is one thing. Being heard is something completly different. Very happy for you!
    Bun

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    1. Knowing what I do , I’m very moved

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  21. Anonymous8:28 pm

    You needed and deserved some karma and you got it

    Keith

    Xx

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  22. Validation on both sides, client and therapist. Wonderful!

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  23. What an absolutely wonderful gift, and one to be cherished forever! So happy for you and your client!!!

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  24. What a lovely thing to do. (My first thought on seeing the figure was Olivia Coleman as the Queen.)

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  25. I'm so happy for you, John. That's terrific!

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  26. Anonymous10:29 pm

    What a lovely affirmation of the power of your work with them. Lynn, Pecos, NM

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  27. Anonymous11:18 pm

    Nothing more meaningful than a home made gift. The client was happy to be heard, you did your job. Gigi

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  28. Ya know, it doesn't get much better than that. What a thoughtful gift, and rewarding as well. Well done John!

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  29. Anonymous11:31 pm

    How really really lovely. So much thought went into that gift which showed how much you were appreciated. So happy for you. Something to tuck away and remember with joy. Jean in Winnipeg/

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  30. Anonymous12:59 am

    Oh John, that is the best!!! Your clients are the luckiest ever! This all made me so happy! I would keep the clay figure for ever. Sending love from Atlanta, Carol Reed

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  31. "loosely resembled me"? No way! That is an exact likeness.

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    1. Anonymous3:46 pm

      How long is it since you got your eyes tested Pud?

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  32. You've made a difference in your client's life and that has to feel really good. The clay figure makes a great and very meaningful addition to your collection.

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  33. I am glad that you got a bit of validation kinda balances yesterday.

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  34. What a thoughtful and appreciative gift. And it will fit so well with your other pottery figures, and remind you of his appreciation when you need a lift.

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  35. Yellow Shoes9:44 am

    That is validation if I’ve ever heard it that you are on the right track, career wise. A person finally feeling heard is a triumph, for them as well as you.

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  36. Yes, who cares about the GP surgery. What a message and gift. And the client gave you a full head of dark hair!

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  37. That pottery person is perfection.

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  38. Anonymous11:00 am

    Such a wonderful message from your client.
    It is such a tremendous feeling to have finally felt heard.
    It means so much.
    Maya Angelou wrote " People will forget what you said, forget what you did but they will never forget how you made them feel" rough paraphrase but you get the gist.
    To feel finally listened to and heard is truly wonderful.
    Carole R.

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  39. Anonymous11:16 am

    John, how lovely to know that you had an impact on that person's life. You truly are meant for this profession. All of us want to feel seen and heard.

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  40. It is always good to get affirmation unexpectedly like that. A great reminder that you are indeed making a difference in people's lives.

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  41. I actually teared up for you upon reading that note. X

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  42. Anonymous2:04 pm

    Interesting hair on the little figure....wonder how you make that. Clearly I am not a ceramicist.

    Cheers, Ceci

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  43. How sweet is that -- the gift, and the words.

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  44. Anonymous2:36 pm

    Very nice. We all need someone to talk to that really listens to us, and is empathetic towards us. You are doing a good job. Cali

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  45. Anonymous6:30 pm

    Are you sure that''s supposed to be you? They've got the hair on your head instead of your chin! Wait a minute - is that a dress it's wearing? Well if that's your choice of attire that's up to you!

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  46. Anonymous2:23 am

    I think that is the most beautiful and thoughtful gift one could receive. You make a difference in others lives....and that is to be celebrated and acknowledged.
    Susan M/Calif

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  47. Anonymous2:48 pm

    From one therapist to another, that’s a great compliment z

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