falling into the story

i am working with a client who is currently homeless and has had a substance abuse problem for a good many years. i hate to say that i came in with the notion that i would not enjoy this therapy but it was true. i had associated a negative thoughts with homelessness due to past experience. this is my first homeless client and i cannot begin to express how enthralled i am with them. the client is of similar age to myself but had a largely different life experience. as the client began to talk, i could feel myself falling into their story. i was amazed to hear of the clients development and found myself asking questions to fill some of the gaps. as the time passed, i realized i did not need a plan to help this person. the biggest step was them coming for help. the biggest asset to them was having someone listen.

i reflected on this again later as i went to a concert with my fiance. we passed the homeless shelter on our way back from eating and a homeless person started walking quickly next to us and engaged us in conversation. i felt a challenge to my safety and the urge to walk faster but i remembered my client. we talked with the person as we walked and i shook his hand as we went on. i genuinely felt for this person too and felt guilty for my worry. i also realized the value of the therapy room as a safe place.