Managing First Sessions: The substitute experience

Imagine showing up for a workshop and the co-facilitator had a substitute. Yep, that was me, the substitute. You know, once you’re out of grade school substitutes aren’t really considered a good thing. For example, we groan when we go to the opera and the understudy is on. If someone gets hurt on the ball field, the sub goes in. If you can’t have what you really want, there’s a substitute. And you’re face might look like this.

Well, Friday I was the sub. And I was worried about being on the other end of those unhappy faces.

You can imagine my surprise when instead of groans and disappointed faces, the “crowd” was welcoming, encouraging and even helpful. It felt like I had a whole community of support behind me – and I did. What a treat. Even the folks who were disappointed were kind.

I think Friday, in keeping with the workshop’s theme, we found a clearing in the woods, a safe space to be connected and pull together.

I’m reminded again of how proud I am to be part of this movement, to teach and learn this powerful method, to help couples and families be strong and happy together.

All I can say is this EFT community is amazing. I think the nicest people in the world become Emotionally Focused Therapists.

Thank you EFTers.