Dec
24
2011
Kim C. Murphy, MS
Once upon a time in the mid-90’s, when I was taking a break from college and waiting tables at a nightclub in that same college town, a friend suggested that I give Community Theatre a try. Somehow I was able to muster the courage to go to an open audition, and I was cast in a small, small role in Dickens’ A Christmas Carol: I was to play a prostitute. My theatrical debut consisted of me staggering onto the stage, intoxicated. I was to deliver two lines in a terrible “Cockney” accent, while talking off my shoe and throwing it at a “lying scoundrel.”
The scene that my character would disrupt with her antics involved Scrooge and the Ghost of Christmas Present (I believe). Each night (shortly after the ghost began his visit with Scrooge by saying, “Rise, and walk with me…”), I would enter stage left; drunk, disheveled, loud, and unapologetic. I’d curse one fellow and proposition another. The audience would have a good laugh, and then something amazing would happen. The Ghost of Christmas Present, or the GCP, would benevolently lean over and sprinkle ‘magic dust’ on me, and I would instantly become a proper lady (unfortunately, the magic dust wasn’t powerful enough to make me a better actor, but that’s another story).
As I was an extremely minor character, I had plenty of time backstage during rehearsals to talk to the other actors in the production-most of whom were local celebrities of some sort. There was the newly minted attorney, whose office overlooked the town square; the artist in residence, who had painted murals on store fronts from one end of the town to the other; and the kindly Psychology professor, who was also a practicing Psychotherapist with an office down on Main Street. Even the director of the production was the Headmistress of the nice private school on the edge of town.
Continue Reading »
Dec
14
2011
Dominique D. Barritt, LMHC
Why did I become a therapist? I feel like there was never anything else I could have ever been. I tried another career path, but it never felt right. Five minutes into my first psychology class, I thought, “Oh, this is what I’m supposed to be doing!” I guess you could say that my therapeutic specialty is split into two parts. I became a therapist with the intent of focusing solely on treating sexual trauma, domestic violence and PTSD (which is where I placed an emphasis during my internship). However, I have unexpectedly developed a second specialty in working with Transgender clients, due to the word-of-mouth support of my clients dealing with this issue.
How do I treat victims of sexual trauma/violence? These survivors often need both practical and emotional assistance. First of all, I teach some basic breathing techniques and grounding to help them to self soothe as they go through the difficult process of recovery. Next, I often go through some Psychoeducational information about how traumatic memories/flashbacks are created and recalled. Helping the survivor learn to advocate for herself/himself as she or he is going through the court system is vital; as frequently, people question their honesty and integrity.
Continue Reading »
Dec
02
2011
When I was four years old, my sister and I were invited to my cousin Rachel’s birthday party. The day before the party, my mother took us to Toys “R” Us to pick out a gift. We chose the most beautiful tea set I had ever seen, and as soon as we got it home my mother wrapped it with great care. When the time came at the birthday party for my cousin to open our present, I stood up and started clapping and jumping up and down. One of the other parents at the party said, “Oh no, she doesn’t realize that the gift is for Rachel. She must think that she gets to keep it for herself.” My mother shook her head and said, “No, she understands. That’s just how Kimmie is. She dearly loves that tea set, and she’s just so happy for Rachel to have it.” I’m sure the other adults in the room were skeptical of my mom’s explanation, and fully expected me to have some sort of a meltdown when I didn’t get to go home with the beautiful tea set. However, my mother knew better. I was what she called tenderhearted. Even when I was very young, I was concerned about the feelings of others, and I wanted everyone to be happy and to have their hearts’ desires.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I haven’t led the life of Gandhi or Mother Teresa (not yet anyway). I have wandered in the desert of my discontent, born of selfishness and loss and desperation. I have been unkind and closed minded. I have been misguided and confused, and I have regrets. I know what it’s like to be hurt and lonely, and I understand the depth and breadth of the struggle it requires to become whole again. However, stumbling and fumbling I have found my way back to the path that I started on so long ago. I have grown and changed, and yet (thankfully) I have managed to keep intact the same little soul who always wished the best for everyone, including spiders and worms. Having been there myself, I have the utmost respect for those who are ready to make the changes necessary to transform their lives through counseling.
As a therapist, I get to personally witness the bravest acts of humanity. It is humbling to be given the honor of bearing witness to another human being’s triumphs and struggles, heartbreaks and joys. Helping my clients to rediscover the strength, courage, and wisdom that already exists within them, even in their darkest hours, is what I was meant to do. I am grateful every day for the opportunity to be there in that small space between suffering and healing, championing for the beginnings of change. In the Red Hot Chili Peppers song “Soul to Squeeze (1991)” it says “…when I find my peace of mind, I’m gonna give you some of my good time…” That lyric has always deeply resonated with me. Now, I am in a position to make good on that promise. I get up every morning with the intent of giving away my peace of mind, and, you know, I find it always comes back to me. As my mom used to say, “My cup runneth over.”
Continue Reading »
