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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 18 to 42 of 42. Go back in thread:
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?
Posted by shortelise on September 27, 2004, at 14:48:28
In reply to Wow, great ideas...now...more questions/help plz, posted by gardenergirl on September 25, 2004, at 16:42:42
The rug is gorgeous.
Honestly, your office is begging to sound pretty cluttered, and I find clutter, well, cluttering.
I go to second hand stores a lot looking for wood furniture to refinish, and there are often overstuffed chairs. Make sure you give them a good sniff before you decide to buy though, as sometimes they've been in someone's damp basement or a favoured object of a male cat. Lift the cushions, turn them over, etc. You can make slip coveres very easily - or if you don't sew, maybe a friend who sews could make them for you. They are so easy.
Books - what you put on your shelf speaks volumes about you (he he) to those who read. And whatever you do, my dear stranger, don't put anything there that you haven't read and that you don't remember fairly clearly. Don't we analysands just love to test our T's?
Clock - the most simple and unobtrusive is my choice. Nothing that draws attention to itself. ANd yes, within sight ot the T too. my T signals we are out of time by glancing at the clock. It's subtle and easy to do.
I have a hanging Korean bell at home. It has a beautiful tone. Do you want religious things?
My honest opinion is that you are planning a false space, that it needs to evolve a little, without planning. I mean, unless you are going to do the Office Without Personality like psychiatrists often do, planning like this seems as though you are creating a personage - and maybe you are - but I wonder what it would be like if you just went with the essentials at first, and then let things come into your life, and brought things in that you found you (and your clients) needed.
Hope this helps. It's been fun thinking about this.
ShortE
Posted by crazymaisie on September 28, 2004, at 14:10:06
In reply to Re: Wow, great ideas...now...more questions/help plz, posted by shortelise on September 27, 2004, at 14:48:28
hi gg
i don't think i have anything much to add except to say good luck and i hope you really enjoy the decorating/furnishing process. it must be really exciting for you to have your own office at last!
i will say, however, that my T has two small, inobtrusive and quiet clocks in her office. one is on a table beside me and facing her and the other is on the windowsill behind her and facing me. this works pretty well for me, that way we can both keep a discreet eye on the time. i think if either clock were particularly large it was have me on edge a little.
enjoy!
maisie
Posted by RosieOGrady on September 28, 2004, at 19:04:46
In reply to Wow, great ideas...now...more questions/help plz, posted by gardenergirl on September 25, 2004, at 16:42:42
Aren't you afraid your future clients may be reading this and will recogneze you by your office? I don't want to be a wet blanket but it would be strange wouldn't it?
I think your ideas sound fine. I personally like the monkey idea and I always liked to see poetry or novels etc on the shelves. I like therapists that loan out books and give away Plant cuttings etc. I'm sure whatever you do will be fine. If I was a therapist I would operate out of a confessional booth so I wouldn't be under the intense scrutiny of my clients! I don't think I could even decide what shoes to wear much less decorate a whole office. But it sounds exciting too and I hope you enjoy it. You'll probably always remember your first office the way teachers always remember their first classroom.
Posted by gardenergirl on September 28, 2004, at 19:43:25
In reply to Re: Wow, great ideas...now...more questions/help plz, posted by shortelise on September 27, 2004, at 14:48:28
ShortE,
Thanks for your honest feedback. It's one thing about your posts I've always admired. It seems like a smaller, unobtrusive and yet visible clock is more of the consensus, and actually, in thinking of that other clock, it is rather large. It's probably better for my home.That has been the difficult thing for me in doing this. I do want the space to be mine and yet welcoming and comfortable for many. I would say all, but that is probably asking too much. But in shopping I seemed to always be aware of when I was looking at things that I would not necessarily put in my home and when I was responding from an "I just love this and who cares?" place. My hubby's influence is great on the decorating at home, so maybe I'm taking advantage of the fact that this is mine, to live out some space wishes. Like having something floral...for him floral is right out. Poop head!
I dislike clutter, too, so I will have to see how things fit in with the space and how I react to them. Most of what I have picked out so far or am considering does have some significance to me. I mostly wanted others' feedback just because I think having the opportunity to hear what experienced therapy goers think was too great to pass up. But yes, the space will evolve, especially if I get to and want to do a post-doc there, too. It's actually a pretty decent sized room, and with the wall of windows, it seems even larger, so I am hopeful that it doesn't look too busy. That would drive me nuts, too.
As far as religious items, I consider the bell to be a spiritual item versus religious, and aesthetically it is pleasing as well. I did think about getting a small Celtic type cross, but I will hold off on that. It is part of my heritage, but organized religion is not. And like you said, I don't want to many as my hubby would put it...dust collectors.
And alas, there is pink on the soffit above the windows and on the radiator below. I wonder if I can get that repainted? I doubt it. Many rooms seem to look like that. :(
Thanks again!
gg
Posted by gardenergirl on September 28, 2004, at 19:45:26
In reply to Re: Wow, great ideas...now...more questions/help plz, posted by crazymaisie on September 28, 2004, at 14:10:06
Thanks for the feedback and well wishes. This has been fun. And I think you are right about the clocks.
And you know, to add to my thoughts in my message to shortelise...I think asking all of you is my way of getting validated on things, too. Because I certainly can't ask my clients.."how do you like my office? or how do you react to this or that?" So I do appreciate everyone's feedback.
Take care,
gg
Posted by gardenergirl on September 28, 2004, at 19:49:17
In reply to Re: Wow, great ideas...now...more questions/help plz » gardenergirl, posted by RosieOGrady on September 28, 2004, at 19:04:46
Hi Rosie,
You know it did cross my mind at times that somebody could be reading this...but I guess I'll just cross that bridge if it comes to it. I would hope that the person woould say something up front when they discovered it, but they may not. I think I am pretty much an open book as much as I can be here. I tend to be less closed in therapy than other T's as well, although I hope I am not so open that it takes away from the client's experience. So I suppose we could talk about it. I try not to share much in the way of client experiences on the board, and when I do, I leave out and change a lot to make sure the person can't recognize themselves. That's probably where I am most cautious.I try not to worry about what I wear other than not wearing a "Tuesday outfit" and a "Thursday outfit" etc. so that clients don't see me in the same danged thing every week. :)
gg
Good thought, though.
gg
Posted by Annierose on September 28, 2004, at 22:23:58
In reply to Re: Wow, great ideas...now...more questions/help plz, posted by gardenergirl on September 28, 2004, at 19:49:17
Posted by JenStar on September 30, 2004, at 23:55:28
In reply to Wow, great ideas...now...more questions/help plz, posted by gardenergirl on September 25, 2004, at 16:42:42
hi GG,
thanks for being courageous enough to share you ideas with us!I think the space should be YOUR space. I like that you're thinking of client comfort with pillows and lack of scent and river rocks and clocks, because that's important, but the rest should be for YOU. You'll be spending 8 hours a day there (the client just 1 hour/week) and the space needs to give YOU comfort, joy, and relaxation as well.
I think: don't be afraid to personalize, don't overthink the tidbits and pictures. If people feel the need to analyze your surroundings to the nth degree, that can be useful for therapy, probably, but shouldn't be a force to make you change the place into something that's not YOU.
It sounds nice. I hope it's a great place to work! :) Have fun decorating!
JenStar
Posted by gardenergirl on October 1, 2004, at 11:12:50
In reply to Re: Wow, great ideas...now...more questions/help plz » gardenergirl, posted by JenStar on September 30, 2004, at 23:55:28
Hi JenStar,
Nice to see you back. Thanks for you thoughts. I am looking forward to seeing how it comes out and living in the space for a bit.
Take care,
gg
Posted by JenStar on October 1, 2004, at 11:19:40
In reply to Re: Wow, great ideas...now...more questions/help plz » JenStar, posted by gardenergirl on October 1, 2004, at 11:12:50
it's nice to be back! I've missed a lot so I'll have to catch up by reading backlogs.
But I'd like to congratulate you on making it thus far in your studies/career -- it's very exciting to hear that you're creating a new office space. What an exciting venture!
I believe that your clients are lucky to have you. I think your space will reflect the inner "niceness" that makes you a good listener and will make people feel comfy, even if the details & decor aren't what they might choose for their own homes. Even the fact that you take time to get feedback from babblers and use it to help you think about your space -- that's a sign of how much you care about the clients. Very cool. :)
take care!
JenStar
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