I've mentioned in my post of weird things that I have a thriving junior psychologist practice. Really. I spend an incredible amount of time listening to people each day. I practice the Rogers' Person-Centered Counseling method - coupling unconditional positive regard with lots of head nodding. Okay. I don't do anything. But I listen really well. And I get good happies when things work out.
I wrote last week about the mock-worthy KC, best friend to person named Friend on this blog. Friend and KC had massive falling-out last January for lots of very personal reasons that belong to them alone. Because I ended up in the middle, I have been Rogering up the whole situation. First, I listened to Friend. Then I listened to KC....not sure why, really. The universe just kept throwing us together and he kept talking while I smiled with acceptance.
Last Friday, Friend and I had a lovely dinner. The conversation turned to KC. I noted that she had made some real leaps in her ability to view the situation that led to their upset. We had an amazing converation. And the universe apparently thought they were ready for a joint session. As we drove home, my cell phone rang.
Friend handed it to me. "Who the hell do I know at....?!" I rambled off the number.
Friend looked incredulous. "That's KC!" I was shocked. I hadn't even programmed his number. I just figured the universe would keep him talking if he needed it.
I answered. KC was hankering for an invite. He knew I was with Friend and wondered if he could join. I used my amateur-professional judgment and invited him up. I then paced the apartment nervously, wondering if I had just brought pain to Friend and further upset to KC - who despite having the most erroneous ideas about me really isn't such a bad guy. And what he thinks of me has never mattered much. Person-Centered Counseling only works if the therapist keeps herself out of the equation. So, I've permitted his delusions.
He arrived. I played Tetris while they talked. It was fun. I was really hot-on that night. Unstoppable....wait...this wasn't about me....back to the narrative thread.
About halfway through the evening, I interjected....and watched both their faces glass over as if to say, "Why won't the couch shut up?! Why does it keep interrupting our renewed friendship?!
Far from offended, I hugged my knees a little, thrilled to see such good people find common ground again. After a quick debrief with each over the weekend, I discharged them from my practice. They'll do just fine without the bobble-head act of Friend's talking couch.
9 comments:
Start this practice up for real, I say! Start charging. Make some money. (Except me. I still get free therapy. Deal?)
Just nod, Glo. =) (I know. Not the most original joke there is... but still.)
HAve you been practicing your pensive with steepled-fingers look? Never hurts to expand your reportoire.
Yay! Nicely done Glo. I bet it was fun to play therapist for a while and then sit back and watch the fruits of your labor grow in front of you.
Bravo!
You could make a million with virtual counseling...I'm sure we'd all sign up...I have an image of you (well, how I imagine you having never actually met you) with your glasses perched way down on your nose...hair in a bun...making all the right comforting noises.
Me too, I'm the same way for my friends. Great knowing that things are finally working out!
I...I...Crap. Dem just totally killed my funny. Seriously....a whole week?! That's just cruel.
What? Dem? No!
I like eye contact. Makes people feel special, and I get to practice falling asleep with my eyes open. As I drift off, the nodding only adds to my compassionate demeanour.
RaJ, will definitely try the steeple thing! Anything to fool the suck---ahhh, make them feel more at ease.
Nothing insightful here, Glo. Blame Dem. Already the withdrawal's setting in.
I have been assured by an expert on body language that steepling is a sign of extreme confidence. It's a good idea to steeple occasionally during a presentation, say, when you lose your train of thought; supposedly it helps you refocus. Seriously. I actually had to listen to a lecture on the subject for a class. Also, curling your fingers when you take an oath means you're lying. All sorts of useful information come out of these lectures.
Glo, I'm so glad that everything's working out for them, and that you're able to be there when they need you and pull out when they don't. That's an awesome expression of (a) friendship and (b) self-esteem.
Now who's the pseudoshrink?
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