Saying goodbye to clients
This week I informed the clients at Wayside that I will be leaving to tour with Up With People. I generally dread saying goodbye to clients as many of them find it difficult to say "goodbye" and many have not had opportunities to say goodbye in a positive manner.
I must admit, I rather primed them for it. I held a group therapy session in which I discussed situations in which people have to say goodbye and how each situation feels. The clients were great. They were able to talk about ways to say farewell that are helpful to the process, and ways that are not.
In general they handled the news well. Some have expressed sadness. Some reported feeling abandoned (which is common when staff leave). Many were very supportive and eager to hear about my tour. My hope is that I can continue communication with my clients, though the Wayside staff, to keep them posted as to my adventures.
To kick things off, I suggested that they start developing questions. I informed them that there was a good chance that I may be spending time with teenagers like them, only across the country or overseas.
I'm so impressed. They have ALREADY started developing questions. Here they are (some have been rephrased for clarification):
1) What is your name (if you feel comfortable telling us)?
2) How old are you and what ages do you have to be in order to be placed at your program?
3) How does it feel to be in a place besides home?
4) What are the rules there?
5) What are the type of goals that you make for yourself?
6) What are the coping skills that you use when you are mad?
7) What are you going to do when you get out of your program?
8) What do you think you can do better if things go bad again?
9) What will you do if you have problems with other people?
10) If you have to choose a path, what path will that be?
Again, I'm so impressed with these questions. If any of you have ever been placed outside of your home while growing up, and you feel comfortable answering these questions, I know the clients here would be thrilled to read your responses.
Actually, UWP participants, we could all answer these questions too. Though we aren't in a therapeutic program, per se, we are in a program to work towards goals...and we all have our own frustrations. If y'all feel comfortable, it would be great to have some UWP responses.
Next week, I start having my final sessions. This is going to take a lot of emotional energy on my part. Wish me luck.
I must admit, I rather primed them for it. I held a group therapy session in which I discussed situations in which people have to say goodbye and how each situation feels. The clients were great. They were able to talk about ways to say farewell that are helpful to the process, and ways that are not.
In general they handled the news well. Some have expressed sadness. Some reported feeling abandoned (which is common when staff leave). Many were very supportive and eager to hear about my tour. My hope is that I can continue communication with my clients, though the Wayside staff, to keep them posted as to my adventures.
To kick things off, I suggested that they start developing questions. I informed them that there was a good chance that I may be spending time with teenagers like them, only across the country or overseas.
I'm so impressed. They have ALREADY started developing questions. Here they are (some have been rephrased for clarification):
1) What is your name (if you feel comfortable telling us)?
2) How old are you and what ages do you have to be in order to be placed at your program?
3) How does it feel to be in a place besides home?
4) What are the rules there?
5) What are the type of goals that you make for yourself?
6) What are the coping skills that you use when you are mad?
7) What are you going to do when you get out of your program?
8) What do you think you can do better if things go bad again?
9) What will you do if you have problems with other people?
10) If you have to choose a path, what path will that be?
Again, I'm so impressed with these questions. If any of you have ever been placed outside of your home while growing up, and you feel comfortable answering these questions, I know the clients here would be thrilled to read your responses.
Actually, UWP participants, we could all answer these questions too. Though we aren't in a therapeutic program, per se, we are in a program to work towards goals...and we all have our own frustrations. If y'all feel comfortable, it would be great to have some UWP responses.
Next week, I start having my final sessions. This is going to take a lot of emotional energy on my part. Wish me luck.
posted by Erik at 8:55 AM
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