Something remarkable happened in one of my individual therapy sessions with a patient one time, and given that we are a support program, I thought I would share it with you all.
Cooper, our late sheltie mix, is as quirky as he is lovable. He’s long had the habit of joining my patients as they come for sessions, saying hi long enough for a couple of scratches and a little petting before he naps on the floor. Patients love him, and they always seem delighted when he sits up on his hindquarters as if he’s going to give a little speech. He started doing that on his own—we didn’t teach him!
So a couple of weeks ago, he joined a young woman in our session. Everything went according to Cooper’s usual routine. As often happens, he got up from his mid-session nap and asked to be let out. I obliged, and the patient and I got back to work.
Several minutes later, the patient was recounting the details of a recent stressful and emotional event. She was tearful and upset, but she did not shout or behave in any particularly demonstrative or loud way.
I was surprised when Cooper showed back up at the door and asked to be let in. He’d never done that before. Curious, I opened the door, and he went straight back to my patient, nuzzling her hand for more affection and attention as she took a moment to center herself.
It was as if from wherever he’d been outside of my office, he knew she was upset and came back in to support her. It was uncanny.
And it was also as if Cooper understands the value of and need for support. Could he solve the patient’s dilemma? No. Could he be present for her and show that he cares and wants to do what he can to help her feel better? Absolutely.
In PLACE, we are certainly aware that we don’t have a cure, a fix, or a solution of any sort. Our program exists for the purpose of support, and sometimes that support simply consists of being with the person in distress and holding space for them within our compassion.
So as you seek support, keep in mind that support can assume many different looks, and sometimes even different species!
