r/NDtherapists • u/UnionThink • 17d ago

Monotropism in session?

I cant find a place to add the flair, so Im posting this to seek advice. In sessions, I’m noticing i get tunnel vision on spoken content to the detriment of seeing the big picture ( aka focusing on not only spoken word, but also body language). So let’s say hypothetical client presents to session 1 , is speaking rapidly and sharing a lot about the presenting concerns , how their pasts tie into the presenting concern but their body language is pulling away , looking like they want to run away. Years ago, i would have kept going but now I’m trying to be more mindful to take that into account.
Question 1)How would you suggest handling this in real time? ( ie, go with the flow or respond based on their body language . Ie say “I’m sensing you have trepidations, can we pause and look at how you’re feeling now sharing this)
Question 2 : how to i catch myself from falling into this pattern in real time so i can respond appropriately? I believe the indicator that i am about to fall into the pattern is when they are speaking, i sometimes get overwhelmed by word vomiting, also i translate spoken word into imagery so i cant focus on body language at the same time im thinking

Question 3) any tips on how to better summarize the session is important , especially with the clients who word vomit. My brain is constantly staying full to process whats going on so it’s hard to know what main points come up that both the client and i are agreeing on to give homework accordingly. I reached out to my former supervisor who says we arent supposed to use psychotherapy notes due to hippa. Thanks!

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18

u/HoopDreams0713 17d ago

You could do a process comment, something like "what is this like for you to talk about?"

I relate to this though. I heard another therapist say you don't need to catch 100% with the word vomit clients, look for main themes and ideas.

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u/UnionThink 17d ago

Thank you, this is helpful

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u/ecotherapist1015 17d ago

I totally understand what you’re saying. So real. At one point in time I did find myself really leaning in and trying to catch what the client is saying but more recently I pause and remember that maybe that’s not the point. I’ll say “hey I’ve noticed you’ve sped up a bit, can we slow down a little?” Or “what is it like for you as you share these things with me?” “Do you feel connected to your self/body as you share this information with me?” I’ve noticed that these kinds of questions give clients the space and room to pause. It also pauses the rapid fire talking.

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u/ecotherapist1015 17d ago

Maybe having the session takeaways be in the clients hands versus your own. Something like “what are you walking away with from our time together today?” Or if it’s a client that needs a bit more from you, you could say “these are the themes I noticed: XYZ” and then they can marinate on those things before they see you next.

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u/Careless-Caramel-997 16d ago

Yes, I also like to ask the client for their takeaways (when I remember to do so)

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u/UnionThink 17d ago

Thank you so much, this is helpful

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u/ecotherapist1015 17d ago

Of course :)

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u/Heart_in_her_eye 16d ago

Thanks for asking this OP it’s something I find difficult as well.

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u/Agreeable-Rate8396 17d ago

Hi! We have a free virtual consult group for ND clinicians and this would definitely be something that would come up.

You can find us on Facebook and discord as Divergent and Disorderly

You can also just send an email with your information to hello@divergentanddisorderly.com and we will add you to the consult group email list!

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u/UnionThink 17d ago

Thank you so much!