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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Miss Honeychurch on September 24, 2004, at 10:09:27
In reply to Time to decorate therapy office--ideas?, posted by gardenergirl on September 23, 2004, at 22:00:37
To me, my T's view is the one thing I love about his office. He's on the 10th floor and has a spectacular view of downtown. You said you had a view. Can you take advantage of that without compromising the privacy of your clients?
Also, my T has LOTS of books which I love. I find a new title everytime I go in there.
I second the no no on flourescent lights. Overhead lighting is not our friend!
I also find seating important. Sometimes we have to use another office down the hall where our chairs are about 6 feet apart. I really dislike this. In his regular office, we have t chairs separated by a small glass round table, as if we're in Paris discussing Louis Malle or something. It is nice and intimate. If we were any closer we would be too close however. But 6 feet a part is too far for me.
Also, I like a few nick nacks on the table separating us that I can pick up and hold while we're talking. I have NO idea why I do this, but I think he puts them there for a reason.
O, and try not to be too girly in the decoration. This may put off some male clients (as well as female ones like me :)
Posted by daisym on September 24, 2004, at 10:24:15
In reply to Re: Time to decorate therapy office--ideas?, posted by Speaker on September 24, 2004, at 9:12:50
Candles and incense, really? This would make me crazy with my allergies. Plus, it is too "new age" for me, especially when I started. I was already nervous about what he wanted to do inside my head. LOL. But remember, I'm that conservative "heels and stockings" kind of gal. Yesterday after a fairly hard session, he asked me what I was going to do right after. He was hoping I wasn't going straight back to work and home feels a little unsafe sometimes. I was thoughtful for a moment and said, "well, ony one thing left to do...go shoe shopping!" :)
I think very, very soft background music would be soothing. But some people find it distracting or depressing.
Posted by vwoolf on September 24, 2004, at 10:38:09
In reply to Time to decorate therapy office--ideas?, posted by gardenergirl on September 23, 2004, at 22:00:37
I would put the desk against a wall to ensure that you never put it between you and your clients. Tuck the filing cabinets out of the way too.
Apart from that, some fresh colored prints, carpets, cushions or flowers to make it look as if you care for the room and what happens in it - it is a real turn off to feel that your T just passes through occasionally and has no real commitment, or love for this space.
Easier said than done, I suppose.
Posted by Annierose on September 24, 2004, at 12:12:36
In reply to Time to decorate therapy office--ideas?, posted by gardenergirl on September 23, 2004, at 22:00:37
I agree with all these great ideas, indirect lighting, kleenex and garbage can within easy reach, pillows on the couch, couch not too close, but not too far away, interesting books ... but only if you have read or are reading them :) ...
and I would nix the candles too (feel awkward to me). And you should definitely bring some of your garden indoors!!
Posted by Aphrodite on September 24, 2004, at 12:29:26
In reply to Time to decorate therapy office--ideas?, posted by gardenergirl on September 23, 2004, at 22:00:37
I vote yes on candles. I forgot to mention that my T always has one burning on the windowsill, and I often find myself gazing at the flicker, lost in thought. I find it comforting. I have lots and lots of candles in my home, so I like that. But I agree that it would have to be unscented in case people are sensitive.
On my birthday, he had me make a wish and blow out the candle:)
(I think he also mentioned once that the candle is used when he does hypnosis. I've never done that, so I'm not sure about that.)
Posted by mair on September 24, 2004, at 13:36:10
In reply to candle debate, posted by Aphrodite on September 24, 2004, at 12:29:26
1) as with some others, I think fresh flowers are wonderful. My therapist is an avid gardener and she always has something she's just picked in a small vase which sits on a low coffee table between where she sits and where I sit. Sometimes asking her about whatever flowers she's brought in has been a good way for me to get started. Plus, it's given me ideas for my own garden. I realized what her flowers meant to me when I started buying a few flowers at the grocery store at least once a week. I keep them on the window sill in front of the kitchen sink.
2) I would also recommend having a couple of different seating options. My therapist has a loveseat sized couch and a high back chair. I gravitated to the chair the first time I went to see her because I sometimes feel trapped when I'm sitting on couches; it's just harder to extricate yourself. I finally figured out, though, that she nearly always sits in the chair and nearly all of her other patients sit on the couch. I like it that she gave me the choice. I guess I'm just saying you shouldn't presume where your clients want to sit.
I think the candles would be a distraction for me, at least until I got really used to them.
Mair
Posted by shortelise on September 24, 2004, at 15:39:12
In reply to Time to decorate therapy office--ideas?, posted by gardenergirl on September 23, 2004, at 22:00:37
I need things to look at. I love looking out of the window - it seems to free my mind, but when I can't do that, I like to look at drawings/paintings on the walls.
I had one episode in therapy where I dissociated (I don't know if that's how it's said, but I kind of went out of my body) and when I finally managed to open my eyes, I was so grateful for the rug on the floor. It was new, and had a pattern to it, and I just kept looking at it, fighting to keep my eyes open and not go back to that place where I was in a cocoon, protected. I think I could have stayed there, could have let myself go into myself and not come out again, but my T kept talking to me, kept me there, and looking at that rug, tracing the patterns with my eyes, made reentry into the real world easier.
I need things to look at. The more intricate the better.
And pillows to hold on to. Mine is a sunflower pattern, big yellow flowers with nice green leaves on black.
I like to be able to curl up as I sit.
And nice soft kleenex. That's important because when I cry and use lots of kleenex, if it's that rougher kind of kleenex, my skin takes a beating. It's hard enough to leave with red eyes and nose, but when they are chafed from nasty kleenex, well! :-)
And a little fan on a top shelf blowing the air high in the room. Smells stay in the room, the smell of pain and sadness, of tears, of anger, it all lingers, it really does. I am not suggesting an air freshener - not AT ALL. Just a way to circulate the air.
If you are going to have plants, please take care of them, keep them healthy, water and tend them, toss them and replace them if they are dying. Dying plants are depressing and a person who lets their plants die - living things, plants are - might just let me die too. At home I rotate plants, you could do that with plants at home if your office proves to be not very plant friendly.
Ok, GG, there you have it from the mouth of another person with lots of therapy experience. Hope it's helpful.
ShortE
Posted by Poet on September 24, 2004, at 17:04:50
In reply to Time to decorate therapy office--ideas?, posted by gardenergirl on September 23, 2004, at 22:00:37
I like candles, but I'd go for scentless ones, so people with allergies aren't going to be bothered.
Blinds open if the view is nice and nobody can see in. I love natural light.
Lots of plants, especially if the light is right, flowering ones.
You need to put something just for you in there, too. To make it your special space. Maybe a picture that faces you? Photos of flowers? Something that says this is me and I like it here.
Poet
Posted by RosieOGrady on September 24, 2004, at 18:27:39
In reply to Time to decorate therapy office--ideas?, posted by gardenergirl on September 23, 2004, at 22:00:37
I think I want comfort and neutrality. I'd like white walls to stay-at most one picture or print. And the pink has to go.
Comfort is important-try out the chairs and make sure you arrange them so that a tall or big person is comfortable too. I think an afghan or throw and some really soft pillows-maybe silk or something soothing to touch. I think only natural objects and universal themes- I'd like something prehistoric or at least pre-Columbian artifact-to get in touch with those primal feelings and all that-or a fossil or geodes. And arranging the furniture is so important. I think we need at least two clear choices of where to sit not that symmetrical thing with the table in between. I'd like one of the choices to have the desk between the therapist and client. And one should have a clear view of the windows-blinds open. I would also want somekind of ottoman or footstool so I could prop my feet up.
No candles or potpourri please. And an air cleaner would be very thoughtful. I'd rather not have personal statements by the therapist in the decor-I don't want to feel like I've wandered into her living room. And I don't want the tension of not knowing whether to comment on her unicorn collection or whatever. Whatever personal objects are displayed should be open for comment or discussion. I think if you have a picture of your family or your vacation you should expect to respond if someone asks about it.
I want the space to be OURS for the hour not just hers. So I would stick to a few neutral objects that could be fodder for discussion. On the other hand her personal dress would be the place to express her personal taste-unicorn earrings for example are fine with me.
And it should be quiet and as soundproof as possible. Maybe some neutral textile hangings or rugs hanging on the walls and door to soundproof if necessary.
My fantasy therapists office would also have a large cuddly cat but I can see how that would not be practical.
And it would never change. No redecorating allowed :)
Posted by shrinking violet on September 24, 2004, at 19:00:08
In reply to Re: Time to decorate therapy office--ideas?, posted by Annierose on September 24, 2004, at 12:12:36
First I just want to say *hugs* to ((((GG)))) for being so open-minded and obviously caring about your profession and clients to ask our opinions as to how to possibly make your clients feel more at ease.
I agree that tissues should be within reach, and I love bookcases filled with books. Also, perhaps some prints on the walls....thankfully my T likes art, and has one or 2 goodsized prints on most of her walls, so I always have something to stare at (especially given that the only window is located behind the chair!). That's another thing....my T doesn't have a couch (thankfully...it would feel too weird and expectant to me), but she has these 2 fabulous identical chairs. They are SO cozy and comfortable...you almost feel like you're being hugged when you sit in them. And she has a pillow, not large (maybe 12x10), colorful and soft. Sometimes I hug it, sometimes I run my fingers over it if I'm thinking, sometimes I just lean against it, but it's nice to have something to fiddle with if I need it. She also doesn't use much artificial lighting, which I also like. I'm not even sure if she has an overhead light (she must, but it's never on. Hmm, I'll have to check next time). Usually the light from the window is enough, or she'll have her desk lamp on. Actually, now that fall is approaching and it gets darker earlier, I am starting my 5 PM sessions again, and at that time it's so great in her office....the sun is setting and the sky is pink and there's just enough light in her office from the desk lamps. Very cozy and warm (and condusive!).
Of course, plants are a must for you, GG. My T has a couple, and she also has a sunflower in a vase. It has become a symbol of sorts for me / us, and it's a nice thing to look at when my eyes wander around the room. I also like someone's suggestion that there be no furniture between you and the client (although, of course that's a personal preference). My T's desk is situated so that she can either face the desk or, if she turns her chair to the left, she is facing the client's chairs without having an obstruction in between and without her having to move her position too much.
My T also has some knick-knacks on her desks and bookcase, which I like: she has various cat statuettes, and some Buddha figurines and meditation balls. They say something about her without being too personal, and it adds a homey quality to the office as well.
Good luck and have fun!
Posted by TofuEmmy on September 24, 2004, at 21:15:54
In reply to Time to decorate therapy office--ideas?, posted by gardenergirl on September 23, 2004, at 22:00:37
Posted by gardenergirl on September 25, 2004, at 16:42:42
In reply to Re: Time to decorate therapy office--ideas?, posted by shrinking violet on September 24, 2004, at 19:00:08
I love y'all so much! What wonderful, thoughtful ideas you have. Thank you, thank you. It's been so helpful. I was doing some shopping yesterday, and althoug it was fun, I did find it a bit of an odd sensation to know I was decorating something that wasn't just for me. So, lemme sum up your ideas to see if I've got it right, let you know where I am at so far, and ask a couple more questions, if you have the energy...
Okay, here's list of your suggestions. I consoldidated or used consensus, and hope I don't miss anything (oh, and cat is out cause I"m allergic and it would be alone too much...:(
alternate lightingclock: in sight of clients AND T? I saw a standing clock that looked a bit like an oldfashioned English thing...a big round face on a light pole...would that be too weird? Otherwise just wall clock or one on table.
Options for seating: alas all I have is the two chairs, which can best be described as the kind of office chairs that one would have as a guest chair next to your desk. You know the kind? It has some fabric on seat and back, but uncovered arms and legs. Not very big and not all that comfy. I looked at chairs last night, but I think unless I find some garage sale ones, that will be out of my price range for now. :( I can try to bring a third one in so that there is an option. Anyone know a good place to get an inexpensive overstuffed or recliner chair? I think I will get a good ottoman, though.
Cushions/pillows: I still would like to have one or two to soften things up, but they wouldn't really go with the chairs. I was thinking of a large basket with a couple of pillows in it? More for the color and texture, but people could hold them.
Candles: I thank you all for feedback about scent...I tend to forget that not everyone likes to smell what I like. So I probably will have a few for decoration but not light them when clients are there.
Books on bookshelf: That's an easy one. Got tons. Just have to lug them in. Are some literature and other types okay, too? Just a couple.
Decorative things: I love the idea of something prehistoric or earth bound. I will definitely look for something like that. Also plants, natch...and I'll take care of them! (last year the office where I was had a majorly dead asparagus fern right in the entrance for about six months until I just pitched it. Director was too attached to it.) I love fresh flower idea and will bring stuff from garden when I can and supplement with others. Aprhodite, I saw a lovely copper watering can I just love, but it was a bit pricy.
Convenience things: kleenex, wastebasket in reach (hate when it's not!) pens, anything else? note pad and/or appt. cards?
Okay, my own ideas and purchases so far: I found a hanging Tibetan (I think) bell with a striker. My hubby laughed when he saw it and asked if I would "gong" when time was up! :) I just liked the way it looked. Very rustic and yet aesthetically pleasing...plus if I meditate in office I may use it.
I am planning to enlarge some photos my husband took of our cherry tree when it was in full bloom this year. Gorgeous! They focus in on just some blossoms and you can see blue blue sky through the pinkish white flowers. I was thinking a cluster of four of these in matching frames. Mabye about 5 X 7.
I also picked up two small matted print/poster things. One has a bamboo plant on it and says "Keep a green tree in your heart and a singing bird will come." The other has a yellow impressionistic flower and says "I get up. I walk. I fall down. Meanwhile I keep dancing." Pretty appropo for me as I am a clutz but always try to play it off if I do something clutzy. AND, I just slipped on the stairs at home today and butt bounced down a few steps. Darn that worn carpet! So it says something about me, although I doubt I'll share that with many clients. My little secret.
I really like colored glass, especially blue and green. At home I have about seven different colored bottles on a shelves in my family room. I also have a clear glass vase filled with blue, green, and clear glass marble chips. I may do something similar maybe in a bowl on the table, so people can play with them if they want. Or maybe river rocks?
I found a rug I like. It's blue, teal, and has some peach and rose in it. Floral, which isn't what I would choose for my home, but I like that it's a bit different from the usual red/navy or black patterned stuff you see in traditional decor. It will go well with the teal carpet underneath. Here is a picture of it. Please tell me what you think? It's the Phoolwari rug http://www.costplus.com/public/seasonal/casbah/caravan.htm
I also found these wooden monkey figures with articulating leg joints so they can sit on a shelf. They are the see no evil, hear no evil, and speak no evil monkeys. I love them, but do you think that might be too weird for a T office? I thought it could be a whimsical touch but what do y'all think?
I have a couple of sailboat prints/art that I could bring in, too. One is small print of a Van Gogh. Other is actually not sail boat now that I think of it, but rather a sunset on beach that we got on our honeymoon and currently don't have a good place to hang.
Otherwise I think I will raid my home for tchotkes (sp?) and try to get a good mix.
Now, how do I make this more multicultural and also a bit less girly? It seems very eastern and girly to me now.
Also, I just remembered I have this wall hanging from Peru my grandma gave my mom a long time ago. It's browns and tans and shows an indigenous woman and perhaps a house and some small things around her. It's an open weave, so the items in it are woven and the background is the warp (vertical threads) without horizontal weaving. I like it, but the colors would be odd given what I've got so far. What do you think? I could hang it near door?
Also, speaking of weaving, I made a woven piece in OTA school a long time ago. It's light blue, gray, and cream and has some nice texture variety. It's too odd shaped to be a throw, too wide to be a table runner. I could hang it on wall or drape over something. But, if someone asks, I would feel leery saying I made it. What if they hate it? Or feel obligated to say something nice?
Wow, lots of questions. I am enjoying this, and it's helping me to think a lot about myself. A good exercise. And I will will always have a piece of Babbleland with me, knowing how much help and input y'all gave.
I am very grateful.
Love,
gg
Posted by fallsfall on September 25, 2004, at 17:46:08
In reply to Wow, great ideas...now...more questions/help plz, posted by gardenergirl on September 25, 2004, at 16:42:42
Everything sounds good to me, except the one you made. People might ask where you got it, and then they could feel uncomfortable about how to respond.
The rug looks fine.
If you put a small notepad next to the pen then if someone wanted to remember something they could write it down. That could be helpful.
So??? How is it going?
Posted by Skittles on September 25, 2004, at 18:02:58
In reply to Wow, great ideas...now...more questions/help plz, posted by gardenergirl on September 25, 2004, at 16:42:42
I think everything you've purchased sounds nice and the rug is lovely. I absolutely LOVE Cost Plus. They have wonderful things and every trip there is an adventure. And from your description of things, I don't get a girly vibe at all. Maybe we need some men to comment, though?? Where are you guys??
I wish you the best with your decorating. My hubby and I just finished helping my mother (she's an LMSW) get her office done and while it isn't my style, it's so cozy. She said her patients have commented that it feels like a retreat. I hope you have the same results - it sounds like you are well on your way.
Posted by Aphrodite on September 25, 2004, at 18:35:21
In reply to Wow, great ideas...now...more questions/help plz, posted by gardenergirl on September 25, 2004, at 16:42:42
Oh, you have put so much thought into it! I would love your office!
The rug is great!
I think you should definitely bring in books other than psych ones, something that reflects you. I'm disappointed that my T only has psych books. Maybe poetry or an art book or a gardening book?
You need the monkeys for lightheartedness. That goes without saying. The colored vases sound nice, too.
I love the Tibetan bell idea. As for the clock, my T keeps his in sight of only him. I wish I had one to see because I always look at my watch.
Can you check the paper or garage sales for recliners? Otherwise, they will be expensive. I think an ottoman and pillows within reach will suffice until you find what you really want.
From what you've written, I think your office sounds warm and inviting and a reflection of you. I don't think it's too girly at all. If you think you need masculine balance, dark wood (frames, clock, etc.) and leather (ottoman, basket) reeks manly.
Have fun!
Posted by shrinking violet on September 25, 2004, at 19:38:31
In reply to Wow, great ideas...now...more questions/help plz, posted by gardenergirl on September 25, 2004, at 16:42:42
I'll have to re-read your new post and think a bit about the other things you asked about, but one thing that quickly came to mind was the clock issue: I'm not sure if this would be possible in your office (or if you'd like the idea) but my T has two clocks. One is a larger round clock, like the one most school rooms have, on the wall next to her desk, so the clock faces the client as he/she sits in the chair, but it is in back of my T as she faces me. Then she has a very small clock which sits on the window-sill next to my chair. So, she has that clock to look at and I have the wall clock to look at. I like it that way, so neither of us have to strain to see one clock, and she can keep an eye on the time without having to make it obvious or look at her watch, and I can also see the time without her seeing me do it (although, the way it's situated, it's a little more obviuos when I'm looking at the time than when she is, lol). Anyway, just an idea. Your office already sounds like it's coming along great!
Posted by Annierose on September 25, 2004, at 19:51:14
In reply to Wow, great ideas...now...more questions/help plz, posted by gardenergirl on September 25, 2004, at 16:42:42
WOW! You have accomplished tons! And your office sounds way more cool than my T's (but if you've read some of my other posts, I don't look around her office too much either). I love all of your plans. My T does have a series of photos in the waiting room, beach scenes. And they are very peaceful. Your cherry tree photos will be perfect. I like the throw rug too. You are right on course.
Posted by just plain jane on September 25, 2004, at 21:43:36
In reply to Wow, great ideas...now...more questions/help plz, posted by gardenergirl on September 25, 2004, at 16:42:42
we have a sort of box that has blunt metal pins sticking through a plane and being kept from falling out by a second plane at which the heads stop. of course, the heads stop the pins from coming out of the holes in the first plane.
anyway, it replicates shapes.
it can keep a person entertained, keep their hands busy while their mind wanders and probes.
works great here.
there are other things available also.
some people become less anxious when their hands/eyes are occupied.
Posted by fallsfall on September 25, 2004, at 22:30:29
In reply to hand/mind occupiers » gardenergirl, posted by just plain jane on September 25, 2004, at 21:43:36
A friend at work had one of the mini-sandboxes. With a rake and some little stones, and then she brought in Star Wars figures... Yes, you need a Sand Table!!!! My 2nd choice for a new therapist has a sand table, that was a real draw for me...
Posted by Miss Honeychurch on September 26, 2004, at 8:37:14
In reply to Re: Wow, great ideas...now...more questions/help p » gardenergirl, posted by Aphrodite on September 25, 2004, at 18:35:21
gg,
I think your office sounds great! Doesn't sound too girly at all. I think if you brought in posters of flowers or had purple carpet or had any type of "beachy" theme, that would be too girly. If you had a lot of white wicker and pastels, that would be too girly. But this office sounds great! I think the monkeys are great as well. And so what if it's too eastern? Seems pretty soothing to me.
And I would love to be a fly in the wall to experience any of your bonging to indicate the end of the session. SOunds like a Saturday Night Live skit!
Posted by Dinah on September 26, 2004, at 19:28:38
In reply to Time to decorate therapy office--ideas?, posted by gardenergirl on September 23, 2004, at 22:00:37
My therapist's old office is my ideal. I don't suppose you can *plan* great natural lighting at a terrific angle, or drapes of a lightweight fabric that cast a natural rosy glow (especially added to the walls with just the right shade of peachy pink). :) Barring that natural attribute, I agree about lamps.
A clock in easy view is good. Optimal seating distance is important. The all important Kleenex, and Falls is right. I hate clutching the dirty Kleenex as I transact the business at the end of session. I always feel guilty about handing him my check.
As I mentioned below, my therapist had several small carefully chosen items that had therapy significance. He dabbles in Jung, I think. So he loves stories and fables, especially Native American, but all sorts. And he chose small items that represent some of his favorite stories or legends. I can't remember them now, of course. But I remember him picking up the small box with the hinged lid or the tiny earthenware pot and telling me a story that somewhat fit the circumstances when I was trying to calm down toward the end of session. Very soothing.
Boy, he made a great mommy.
Posted by Dinah on September 26, 2004, at 19:33:59
In reply to Re: Time to decorate therapy office--ideas?, posted by shortelise on September 24, 2004, at 15:39:12
I was so sad when my therapist got rid of his rug. Along the side it had what looked like little balls, and on the edges it had what looked like little jai alai catchers, and I'd mentally roll the ball back and forth slowly between the catchers.
On the other hand, I think my therapy went better when it was gone. I could mesmerize myself with that rug and forget to do therapy.
Posted by Dinah on September 26, 2004, at 19:44:08
In reply to candle debate, posted by Aphrodite on September 24, 2004, at 12:29:26
Oooh, how do you resist doing hypnosis? Mine doesn't do it so I have to hypnotize myself. :(
Posted by Aphrodite on September 27, 2004, at 5:42:14
In reply to Re: candle debate » Aphrodite, posted by Dinah on September 26, 2004, at 19:44:08
I guess we've never done hypnosis because he's never asked! He talks about doing it with others; maybe he was testing the waters for my reaction. I'm intrigued, but I can't imagine doing anything that would require me to give up even 1% of control. I've never been drunk for that very reason. Not even a little tipsy.
Do you do self-hypnosis?
Posted by Dinah on September 27, 2004, at 10:32:33
In reply to Re: candle debate » Dinah, posted by Aphrodite on September 27, 2004, at 5:42:14
Hey, I feel the same way about drinking! The one time I started to get tipsy, I hated the feeling so much that I quit.
And after my c-section I refused the pain killer they were giving me for the same reason. I just took that Tylenol stuff. The epidural was ok, because it didn't affect my mind.
I self hypnotize all the time, especially before sessions. Nearly every session. I concentrate behind my eyes until the light and dark forms the general facial pattern of my little black and white dog who died years ago. Then I transform the black and white pattern of her face to the black and white pattern of her body. (Which is coincidentally very easy to do by just switching the black to white and vice versa.) I alternate back and forth a few times, and voila!
I bought a book on self hypnosis, and practiced with the whirly design. But my way is easier and more portable. I don't go into a deep trance of course. And I'd sort of like to experience that. But my therapist doesn't do it. :(
Should I offer to pay for a course for him?
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