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judecorpOne of the things I like about my workplace is the overarching philosophy that governs how we relate to and interact with our families. When we start working with a family, one of the things we make an effort to point out first is that though we have some training and knowledge in child development, we acknowledge that it is the caregivers who are THE experts on the child, simply by knowing them best. And that while we may offer suggestions and strategies to help stimulate development, it is the caregivers' persistent hard work that will make progress happen. It's a really hands-off, client empowerment approach that I /really/ like. It jives well with me.
And I guess that's one thing that is stuck in my head about this acupuncture provider - there have been no acknowledgment of strengths, no credit to myself as someone who knows my body, no positives except what THEY are positive they can accomplish. I suppose this bothers me so much because it runs so counterintuitively to everything I believe as a therapist and in my approach with people.
I love when my families celebrate their children's milestones or accomplishments and I can say, "You guys worked really hard," and, "This is improving because of what you do." It is not about me being a superhealer and running around Dorchester and Roxbury 'fixing' children - it's about showing families ways that they can help their children make developmental progress in their day to day lives and family routines. I help families learn how to incorporate stretches into their diaper changes, how to fill their house with language stimulation about topics they enjoy, how to help their child learn new play skills using whatever objects they have around the house. But more importantly, I help parents realize that they are the most knowledgeable, most important, most beneficial partners in the treatment process. And I think maybe I would have liked a little more credit in my own treatment process.
This may not be the field I want to work in forever or even someplace I ever saw myself spending time, but I appreciate the fact that we are all strengths-based, empowerment-focused people who work our butts off to genuinely help families. I work in a building full of people who give a shit, really and truly do - people who become emotionally attached to families and staff and who get fired up about injustice and setbacks. It's pleasant.
And I guess that's one thing that is stuck in my head about this acupuncture provider - there have been no acknowledgment of strengths, no credit to myself as someone who knows my body, no positives except what THEY are positive they can accomplish. I suppose this bothers me so much because it runs so counterintuitively to everything I believe as a therapist and in my approach with people.
I love when my families celebrate their children's milestones or accomplishments and I can say, "You guys worked really hard," and, "This is improving because of what you do." It is not about me being a superhealer and running around Dorchester and Roxbury 'fixing' children - it's about showing families ways that they can help their children make developmental progress in their day to day lives and family routines. I help families learn how to incorporate stretches into their diaper changes, how to fill their house with language stimulation about topics they enjoy, how to help their child learn new play skills using whatever objects they have around the house. But more importantly, I help parents realize that they are the most knowledgeable, most important, most beneficial partners in the treatment process. And I think maybe I would have liked a little more credit in my own treatment process.
This may not be the field I want to work in forever or even someplace I ever saw myself spending time, but I appreciate the fact that we are all strengths-based, empowerment-focused people who work our butts off to genuinely help families. I work in a building full of people who give a shit, really and truly do - people who become emotionally attached to families and staff and who get fired up about injustice and setbacks. It's pleasant.
