Room for therapy?

I see face to face clients in the sitting room of my home, and have a desk in a cosy separate room For zoom and Skype calls. Following on from Deb Dana who writes about Neuroception (in this moment do I feel safe? in danger?) and Polyvagal theory, it makes sense to me that you might feel safer knowing a bit more about the space I work from.

For those who prefer to meet face to face: You’ll first come to a blue front door, knock and I’ll come and answer it. You’ll enter into a hallway (see picture below but with added bikes!) and then into the first room on the left. I often have some Nag Champa burning in the corridor to clear the air and welcome you (please let me know if this isn’t for you!). If you need the loo its up a flight of stairs. I will need to just check that noone else is in the corridors as there are a number of others who live here too.

My sitting room (see picture above and several below) very much reflects me and many of my parts’ taste - and safety anchors - and I hope it will support “face to face” clients to come and relax in a warm and friendly room.

You choose where you’d like to sit. I tend to sit on the other sofa. I encourage you to find ways of making yourself feel safe and cosy, playing with distance, cushions, light/warmth etc

I have cats and a dog. They are - as a rule - in other spaces in the house during client sessions. Some people find them therapeutic - it helps them calm and relax and we can welcome one or more in if that serves you.

For Zoom/Skype clients: This (below) is my desk/study. It occurs to me that you have a very narrow view of the room - the camera looks just at me and over my shoulders...

More of the sitting room:

The thick curtains, with bifold doors behind, keeps this room separate from the kitchen next door. The kitchen is empty during face to face sessions, to keep your confidentiality. Generally therapists don’t offer drinks but if you’d like one please ask, for some its comforting and containing to sip whilst you’re “going inside”.