Lessons On The Playing Field

 It was 30 degrees here in North Wales
My counselling room was oppressive and humid I couldn’t open the windows wide on the sunny side of the building in case confidentiality was compromised.
My client was tired and hot and bothered
It wasn’t the ideal counselling environment for both of us
Suddenly I had an idea and asked my client
Do you remember those hot rare days in primary school when your favourite teacher took a class on the playing field ?
They smiled and nodded at the memory
Let’s go for a walk and a sit in the shade 

And that’s what we did . We walked to a knot of trees behind the counselling building and sat in the cool shade of some silver birch 
Disregarding marking our clothes on the cool earth
And there my client talked

31 comments:

  1. Brilliant inspiration!

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  2. Doesn't happen often in Wales, but I do remember the odd lesson outside. Teachers go up a notch in estimation, so did you.

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    Replies
    1. As a child lessons on the field was a treat beyond treat

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  3. And that is one of the reasons you'll make a great counsellor! xx

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  4. I like that idea... your office is the great outdoors... very good place to pour your heart out... Hugs! deb

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  5. I can imagine it felt quite special to your client.

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  6. Sounds like a special day that will be remembered!

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  7. Barbara Anne4:01 pm

    Genius inspiration, John, and you involved your client with the shared memory of the golden teachers in your lives. You're a born counselor, my friend!

    Hugs!

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  8. I have a friend who offers walking/outdoor sessions. Very popular

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    1. I can see the downside of walk and talk
      You may miss some non verbal cues

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  9. Fabulous solution, and one that will be remembered by you & your client. You're a natural counselor.

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  10. Another reason you're so suited to being a counselor! React to the client and the conditions, find a good solution. That's great.

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    Replies
    1. I’m only allowed seven sessions per client which isn’t long

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  11. Anonymous5:29 pm

    Well done for both of you, John. Less clinical too. Gigi

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    1. The change energised the interaction

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  12. Replies
    1. It felt a bit naughty , but we talked about that

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  13. "Disregarding our clothes"? You mean you removed them?

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  14. Anonymous6:23 pm

    Genius. My happiest memory is of school class outside under the tree at the end of term. 48 years ago

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