I See You

When working in a professionally supportive role such as mine, it is super important to make sure that you are doing just that- being supportive, and at no time should the interaction become about you, your needs or your life. Professional boundaries must be kept in place to ensure that you are doing your job properly and ethically.

That being said, it’s often important to let a bit of yourself be seen (whilst keeping the focus on the client) because it drives connection, rapport and trust. I might tell a young person about my pets or my hobbies to help that process of connection. I might tell a parent, that I too am a parent, or a teacher that I have been a teacher also. It’s the psychology of social interaction and connection and most of us seek it out.

Often when I am working with a parent to talk about their young person they might try to convey how hard it has been for them, or the daily things they do to try and meet the needs of their child or how they are continuing to fight to get assessments or needs met. All because they are wanting me to understand the situation and help them get the things they need in their child’s education. At this point, I often use a phrase that creates instant connection and acknowledgement of the situation.

It’s the phrase ‘I sit at that side of the table too’. Nothing more really needs to be said, but what it means is:

I see you…

I see you repeating yourself to all.

I see you researching.

I see you predicting every eventuality.

I see you wanting to avoid certain situations.

I see you managing meltdowns, refusals, anxiety, meds and therapies.

I see you not making time for yourself.

I see you playing it down.

I see you coming to terms.

I see you with every emotion.

I see you having guilt over siblings.

I see you having guilt over your own friendships and connections.

I see the financial implications.

I see you losing sleep.

I see your anticipatory grief.

I see you taking time off for appointments and assessments.

I see you trying to coordinate professionals.

I see you filling out forms and trying to prove everything.

I see much much more.

I see the fight.

I see you manage.

I see you celebrating every tiny step of progress.

I see you finding joy in the smallest of things.

I see you learning new lessons everyday.

I see you trying your best.

I see you.

#educationalpsychology #additionalneeds #tango2 #specialneedsparenting