At Alsana, our clients often rave about the quality of our clinical staff, but seldom see or understand the impact that they have on our lives. I feel it is impossible to do our work here without being deeply touched by the intensity of work and effort we witness in our clients. As clinicians, we are also moved by the willingness of families to come to a treatment center, be open and vulnerable, and work through many issues in order to create a healthier personal and family intimacy.
We say that Alsana is a place that transforms clients and families, and allows them to lead healthier lives. But it is equally true that our clients impact our lives. I thought this would be the perfect time of year to let everyone know some of the many gifts that clients have given to us as clinicians.
Cara Faries states exactly what I know to be true about myself and the rest of our team:
“Over the years I have been taught and evolved as a therapist by each client I worked directly or indirectly. The constant lesson is that the human spirit is incomprehensible and can never be measured. There are times when someone is unable to venture or utilize their spirit, but when they do it never cease to amaze.” Cara Faries
And Christine Schneider points out the gift of courage clients teach us:
“I am continually amazed at the amount of courage and resilience clients have in their willingness to risk being vulnerable and dealing with emotions in new and scary ways. In short, I feel like I learn a new definition of courage and bravery every day that I come to work.” Christine Schneider
The work that we do here at Alsana changes us not only as therapists but within ourselves and our lives. Some of our therapists express these gifts in this way:
“Our clients have taught me to love myself more. When I see how much self-hate our clients struggle with, I am reminded of how damaging and unnecessary this is, and it reminds me to have more compassion for myself.” ~ Kim Callaway
“To embrace my own imperfections.” ~ Erin McGinity
“I have learned that avoidance and accepting parts of ourselves leads to blocks to finding intimacy and relationships with others.” ~ Kevin McCulloch
Kevin also shared these three additional gifts he feels he receives by interacting with clients and families:
- “Success is a product of finding growth through perseverance in the face of challenge or failure.”
- “Resiliency of the human spirit often exceeds our predetermined expectations.”
- “Valuable relationships are created through moving beyond discomfort and wading into vulnerability.”
When Cara talks about her own transformation while working with clients with eating disorders, one of her favorite personal quotes is from author C. JoyBell C.—
We can’t be afraid of change. You may feel very secure in the pond you are in, but if you never venture out of it, you will never know that there is such a thing as an ocean, a sea. Holding onto something that you think is good for you now, may be the very reason why you don’t have something better.
Thank you to each of our clients for the many gifts that they have given us here at Alsana. You have transformed each of us in a special and meaningful way, and we are grateful.
