Oftentimes in therapy I use analogies and terminology that becomes part of the new communication style of the clients, as it is meant to be. One particular term I use is called “kind regard” and it refers to the idea of keeping your partner and their attributes high in your mind, kind in your heart, reminding yourself that this is your favorite person who deserves all of the benefits of your doubt, not just your negative frame or scorn. In the process of therapy this term gets referred to time and again, often to illustrate ways to ride out “the dip” as Seth Godin may call it, or sitting with the discomfort of not knowing, as I like to refer to it. Either way, it’s trusting the process to become something different in time. Usually we draw upon this tool in the toughest of times, when things seem their darkest, as a line of hope to the other side.

Today in session one couple told me a story in which a dream was recounted and in that dream a character approached one of the partners through a sea of people and when the character reached the client, she said to him harshly “WHERE’S MY KIND REGARD!?!?” This was the magical, spontaneous belly-laugh producing moment. I am still giggling at the thought of it, heck I’m sharing it here! What a perfect example of the embrace of a new tool and then its internalization revealing itself in the form of a vivid dream. I am so happy for this couple, for their progress and for the future that lays ahead of them. They have made it through the dip, sat with the discomfort, and have arrived at the side of understanding and acceptance. There is no better day for a therapist, not in my definition at least.

So if you are waiting for a session in your therapist’s lobby and you hear a true guffaw erupt on the other side of the door, know that great things have transpired and that you too can get through the dip, maybe even with the use of some kind regard.

The work we do in session is very serious and focused, but sometimes it helps to take a momentary break and laugh a little.

I hope this little bit of levity adds a spot of joy to your day!

There is so much that comes with holidays, especially Thanksgiving; the emotions, the traditions, the family juggling, all amidst your own desire for a relaxing and reflective break. I have posted a bunch of fun and informative tweets regarding thoughts on Thanksgiving, check them out at http://twitter.com/mft3.

• I am a lousy baker and quiver at the thought of making a pie from scratch, enjoy the Awl post which gave me a bit of hope.
• I know that the “letter” has made the rounds but it’s a funny classic, enjoy. (If this is your family, we are booking appointments for Monday…)
• My family is one of those grace-challenged ones so I especially liked the many ideas posed in the BlogHer post.
• And giving back, after we reflect on all of the abundance that we really do have, is always a nice way to round out this thoughtful holiday, some nice ideas and links to explore.

Above all else, Thanksgiving is a time to reflect and give thanks first and foremost for you and then for all of the other bounty and challenge that life offers each one of us.

MFT3 wishes everyone a happy, safe and healthy Thanksgiving.

Enjoy!

Enjoy this “sweet” that won’t cause cavities!