When I am present to another human being, they become present to me. I am aware of the synergistic quality of presence. I recall how I often sit in a therapy session and am in awe of the client s movement toward clarity of mind, increased strength, and innate ability to cope as I grow in clarity of my role and my boundary . Thus it is my sense of self, my clearly defined boundary that supports my client s sense of self. My grief can be touched and because of my boundaries, I can understand and facilitate the client s grief.
Presence is the antithesis of enmeshment.
My intent with this article is to awaken the heart and soul of every therapist to the power and value of presence. As instructors we can teach skill and the mastery of thought-out interventions. We can t teach the heart and soul of a therapist to guide the heart and soul of the client. In so doing, we might be bridging the gap not only between the sacred and the profane but also between client and therapist.