The practice of coming back

Presence is something we return to, one moment at a time.

Notice your own movement

Perhaps you feel an urge to reassure, explain, rescue, or move quickly toward a solution. Those impulses can be useful information about what is happening within you and between you.

Make room before acting

Take a breath. Notice your body. Ask yourself what the client needs in this moment, and whether your next response makes space for their experience.

A continuing practice

Being present does not mean never becoming distracted or reactive. It means building the capacity to notice and return. This is one reason therapist self-work belongs at the heart of our development.