I was recently asked what my favorite part of being a therapist is, and oftentimes, I have the tendency to focus on the big, ah-ha moments but today I would like to share some of my favorite micro-moments of therapy. When I think of micro-moments, I think of subtle yet powerful moments that elicit growth, connection or safety.
One of my favorite micro-moments is when a client says, “I have never said that to anyone before”. This phrase brings so much vulnerability and connection into the therapeutic space. When my clients say this to me, I believe they are also saying, “I feel safe here” or “I’m ready to acknowledge what has been holding me back”. In this moment I’m not thinking of which theory or intervention to use, but I immediately think about the courage it takes to for them to share this with another person.
Another favorite micro-moment of mine is when a client and I share a real, genuine laugh together. I value the connection and humanity that humour can bring into a therapy session. Sometimes therapy can feel intense and scary and I find that humour can bring a sense of relief and calmness. I did not learn to utilize “humour” in grad school and feel there is a fine balance of when and how it can be used but what I have learned Is that humour can honour our humanness and give space for all emotions to show up in therapy.
Reflecting on my favorite micro-moments is a good reminder for me to embrace the tiny nuances and to look for the opportunities to bring humanness and connection into therapy. I’ve also come to recognize the importance of bringing joy into a space that can often feel overwhelming or intimidating. By incorporating humor into my practice, I’m able to share a more personal side of myself, which helps build trust and authenticity with my clients.