I love it when a client comes into my office and states that they feel better just being in my \u201cspace\u201d.\u00a0 This blog is about what I\u2019ve culled from 12 years of counselling others in \u201cspaces\u201d.<\/p>\n
The first step in creating a therapeutic environment for yourself and your clients is addressing the physical space you share.\u00a0\u00a0 I have provided therapy in a small, windowless office as well as a large, ninth floor corner office with balcony.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The clients I served in both offices seemed equally satisfied with their counselling experience.\u00a0 So what, exactly, helped make the \u00a0spaces therapeutic?\u00a0 The following is a list of key considerations you should keep in mind when establishing your own counselling space.<\/p>\n
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#1\u00a0 Adequate size<\/strong> If you have a small office, decorate accordingly.\u00a0 Smaller furniture (how big a desk do you really <\/em>need?), and no unnecessary items (e.g. bookshelves, filing cabinets, large plants, loud art, etc.).\u00a0 Yes, you likely need some paperwork handy, but use a smaller-scale filing system to store them.\u00a0 \u00a0If you share an office space, try to negotiate sharing necessary furniture pieces so you don\u2019t end up duplicating items.<\/p>\n #2\u00a0\u00a0 Seating logistics<\/strong> Always, always, always check out the view from the client\u2019s seating perspective.\u00a0 What will the backdrop behind you look like?\u00a0 Computer monitors, to-do lists, messy piles of papers or files do not insights beget!\u00a0 Try to ensure that your client\u2019s view is as undistracting and pleasant as possible.\u00a0 This brings me to my next point\u2026<\/p>\n #3\u00a0\u00a0 Reasonable<\/strong> tidiness<\/strong> Yes, limited space can result in ongoing work being in open view, but there really is no reason for a half-eaten muffin, confidential client files\/information or reams of random papers to be strewn about (all things I have witnessed in my own and others\u2019 offices).\u00a0 Take the time if need before seeing each client to glance around your office and tidy as necessary.\u00a0 Client\u2019s can be very, very observant if not just plain curious \u2013 especially keep other client information tucked away.<\/p>\n #4\u00a0 Lights & Scents<\/strong> As I prefer indirect lighting, I tend \u00a0to pepper my office with standing and desk lamps, accented with one lit candle.\u00a0 I find too harsh lighting prevents a sense of calm, safety and emotional intimacy.\u00a0 With that being said, a too-dark office replete with flickering candelabras can send the wrong message.\u00a0 Find a healthy balance.\u00a0 The same goes for scents \u2013 I often used a scented candle, though I know many office spaces have quite strict rules about scents, so you may be limited in your options.\u00a0 As one of my jobs currently is working with homeless folks who have intermittent access to laundry and showers, the use of a scented spray (see \u201ccleansing your space\u201d below) helps refresh my office between clients.<\/p>\n #5 Ambient Noise<\/strong> Hallways, neighbouring offices, passing traffic (people, cars, trains, and emergency vehicles) all provide an interesting soundtrack to a session.\u00a0 Though it is best to try to work in a soundproofed space, this is not always possible.\u00a0 Hanging tapestries, curtains, etc. to muffle noise is one strategy.\u00a0 The use of a white noise machine or even soft music can be another.\u00a0 For example, I often put on a CD I have that consists of one, long, sustained \u201com\u201d chant.\u00a0 It is unobtrusive and calming (for both the client and myself) and can soften sudden noises from outside my office.<\/p>\n #6\u00a0 Cleansing Your Space<\/strong> I personally find it helpful to cleanse my office space in between each client.\u00a0 Smells, stale air and residual energy should be flushed out so that each new client doesn\u2019t have to work in the last client\u2019s \u201cstuff\u201d.\u00a0\u00a0 If you have a window or exterior door, open it wide.\u00a0 If you open your office door too, the cross breeze can work wonders.\u00a0 I also use meditation chimes and lavender room spray (all-natural essential oil based, not artificial if possible) to help move any trapped energy and refresh the air.\u00a0\u00a0 The use of plants, smudging and crystals can also help keep your space feeling therapeutic.\u00a0 As for yourself, deep breathing, stepping outside, washing your hands or using whatever other ritual you prefer to refresh yourself between clients can be highly beneficial.\u00a0 After, all, you are part of the space \u00a0too!<\/p>\n Though office size, location, agency policies and building regulations can all impact what you can do to (and in) your counselling space, I encourage everyone to try and create an environment that feels welcoming to both you and your clients.<\/p>\n If you are so inspired, please feel free to send me your own strategies for creating and maintaining your counselling space as I would be glad to post them.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" I love it when a client comes into my office and states that they feel better just being in my \u201cspace\u201d.\u00a0 This blog is about what I\u2019ve culled from 12 years of counselling others in \u201cspaces\u201d. The first step in creating a therapeutic environment for yourself and your clients is addressing the physical space you […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1001019,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[118],"tags":[550,551,552,553,496,117,554,555],"class_list":["post-1836","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-selfcareforcounsellors","tag-atmosphere","tag-clearing-energy","tag-counselling-office","tag-counselling-room","tag-counsellor-self-care","tag-self-care","tag-therapeutic-space","tag-therapy-room"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n