Dana's Mindful Minute: A Letter From Your Therapist

Inspiration This Week: YOU!

I think in the spirit of Christmas I'd like to do something a little different this week. I'd like to practice what I preach and share some gratitude with those who mean a lot in my life, but may not always get told that. My clients!


Theme This Week: A Letter From Your Therapist

Week after week my clients spend their hour with me sharing all about their life details, their genuine feelings, and their deep seated fears. We work on ways to help navigate the challenges in their life and I may add in a helpful anecdote here and there, but the therapy session is focused on the client. As it should be, that's what you guys pay me to do! But I know that some clients (as have I, when I sat in the client seat) wonder what I'm truly thinking and wonder about their place in my mind. So here's some thoughts from your therapist that I thought you might like to know:


I really am not going to judge you and I promise no one is winning the prize of "craziest client"- I got into this profession because I already had the natural disarming and non-judgmental demeanor that attracted people to me and tell me their stories. So when I tell you I've heard it all and it does not phase me, I mean that! I love being the person that people can "shock" me with their truest forms and not be shook. Because I see you for who you are: unique and worthy. 

I promise you're not the only one thinking what it would be like to know each other outside of session- I absolutely think wouldn't it be fun to get to know you in a more casual way. Therapists often attract clients that match their own personalities and issues, so naturally I think of you in a friendly way. However, my responsibility lies in helping to give you the tools to succeed and that involves keeping professional boundaries. So no getting a beer together anytime soon, sorry!

I always enjoy the memes, gifs, and TikToks you send- I may not always comment on them or respond, but I truly do love when my clients find a way to communicate with me what they're experiencing. Sometimes that's the best way to get across what you're struggling to say in session. So I get it, I speak fluent meme too, bring it on!

I feel what you feel- During that hour, I am entering your world and stepping into your shoes, which means feeling your feelings. My heart hurts when you get rejected. I'm angry at your boss for not valuing you. I'm doing cartwheels when you reach those long awaited milestones! So while I'm searching for the right strategy to best support you, I'm also experiencing the moment right alongside you. 

I think about you outside of session- Not in a creepy way I promise haha. I remember the days you are getting married, or the interviews you're going to, or the funerals you need to attend and I'm hoping you have the tools you need on hand. And I remember the little quirks and things that make you laugh so when I run into those things in my life, I laugh as if I've just shared an inside joke with you.

I learn from you too- Being a therapist is the best way to keep me accountable to my own growth. So when I'm giving you guidance on how to handle a situation and hearing your feedback, it's also a reminder to myself to do the same. And you bring me new perspective of different ways to grow as well, remember I'm an imperfect human too!


I have worked with so many people over my time as a counselor and while many have moved on, and many more will, I will always hold you guys in my heart. Not only do I have my own friends and family, but I also have a pool of current and past clients that I think of when I think about relationships. But unlike friends and family, I don't get to fully participate in your life. So I think about how you're doing and wishing good things for you even long after we've talked last. If and when you come back...yes, I do remember that crazy ex you once told me about or the name of your dog (I always remember the fur family members <3). Because to me you are not just a client that I do some DBT skills with occasionally, you are a person that has come into my life for a reason and cornered a piece of my heart. So thank you for choosing to share a piece of your life with me and know that you also have a profound impact on me too!


Challenge This Week: Surprise Someone with Love

Just as I did now, think of someone you may not have ever had the chance or told in a while how much you care for them. Yes, we all have our traditions this time of year, but it's also a time to invite more joy and love. So say thank you, tell them you appreciate them, share how they have impacted you, spread the love! And Merry Christmas!!!

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dana renee counseling
(407) 476-9666
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DANA'S MINDFUL MINUTE SIGNUP

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