Let’s say you plop on my couch.

“So, what brings you in?” I ask.

You start with a sigh, and at first speak in short, vague statements.

“I’ve been feeling down,” you say. Or “I’m having problems in my relationship.”

“Tell me more,” I say.

As I start to get curious, you begin to recognize that you are accepted in this space. You start to feel a little more comfortable. Your sentences become longer; the words start flowing. Your story unfolds.

You open up about how tough things have been. It’s hard to talk about, and you’re still feeling nervous about “going there.” Part of you wants to change the subject or leave my office altogether. But you stay here, with me, and you feel all of the emotions that come with talking about this struggle, right here in this room. As tears leak out of your eyes, I let you know that you don’t have to hold them........

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