In the last couple of months, some new and long-standing clients arrived at my office sharing they just read my book, and came prepared with a list of symptoms they would like to address. I feel a mixed sense of joy that they read my book, yet some guilt, too, since they didn't know some of this information already. Plus, that I didn't know they had some of these problems! Overall, though, I am glad they now have a deeper understanding of what CST has to offer. At the end of the day, with this information and preparation, it is the most efficient use of our time together. For those clients who have taken time to read my book, we're able to spend our session focused on hands-on work.
Recently I had an inspired client book three sessions after a two-year break from treatment because she just got around to reading my book. The beginning of Chapter 4, "Accessing and Using Your Inner Wisdom", made an impact. I wrote "Your active participation and the back-and-forth dialogue with your therapist can open up new experiences for you. Don't get stuck in the mindset of: 'I pay you, then lie down and you fix me." She realized she hadn't participated to some extent in her previous sessions even though she had made some good gains. She had now reached a point in her life where she wanted to deal with old issues she felt were holding her back and creating pain in her body, and was now ready to more fully participate in her sessions. Over the years it has been fun to see what parts of the book are helpful to different people. Three of my clients who have read From My Hands and Heart this month now want to bring all their families in for treatment!
I appreciate many things about my work, especially because I benefit from the wisdom and experiences of all my clients. Two clients recommended the same book to me: Into the Magic Shop by James Doty. It is a wonderful read. Plus, it is the kind of book that you can't put down, which makes it quick to read!
James pens his personal memoir and shares experiences that led him into the profession as a Neurosurgeon and Director of the Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education (CCARE) at Stanford. He grew up in poverty with an alcoholic father in addition to a mother who suffered from depression and a stroke. At the age of 12, he meets a lady named Ruth in a magic shop in the town he grew up in. She mentors him about mindfulness practice, helps him to open up his heart and teaches him how to manifest - all in 1968! I highly recommend this inspirational book.
Another book that created a lot of deep thought for me was Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson. The author is the Executive Director of the Equal Justice Initiative in Montgomery, Alabama. He has dedicated his life to working with people who would not ordinarily have access to legal representation, including adults and juveniles on death row and incarcerated juveniles in adult prisons. The statistics he quoted shocked me. I am in awe of the judicial system changes he has been able to create. If you are interested in finding out more, watch his excellent TED talk here.
Enjoy your reading! Drop me a line, and let me know what books inspire you. Also, I'd love to hear your feedback about ways in which my book has inspired change for you, too.
From My Hands and Heart, Kate xx
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