When I think about what the client sees in me, my business, and my room, I desire that they see organization, cleanliness, and a readiness to receive them. I want them to know that they are important enough for me to have prepared everything (and myself) for them. I take time to walk into my place of business as if I were the client, looking around and making judgments of what is disruptive, dangerous, or dirty/cluttered.

The last time I felt heard (specifically in a medical setting) was when I was engaging with my PT for follow-up. She explained that she always lets her patients know that as we move through treatment, the plan can and will evolve because of discoveries that we didn't expect. She listened to my answers, changed my next plan, and was successful in meeting my need for that visit. We didn't just go with the original plan-since that made things a little worse-although the plan was already in place.

Being present with each client is extremely important. It is important to make that person know that they are the reason we are there. It is their goal that is our direction. If we read/listen to their list of pathologies but don't ask what their goals are for the session, we will be doing an injustice to the person. Although pathologies are important to consider, they may not be there for that reason.