Mama Bear

For me as a child therapist it is almost like being a mother. I am very proud of my clients, I respect them, advocate for them and defend them to the end like I do for my own kids. Thus when I feel they have been mistreated the Mama Bear comes out. So, when I walked into this scene at my office last week, the Mama Bear come out as it did with my co-workers as well, but when Mama Bear really took inventory of the situation, the Mama Bear disappeared and was replaced with hurt and sadness.

Here is the story; I was told on Thursday that my office might be switched. I was asked when so I could have my belongings packed and pictures off my wall. It was suggested that on Saturday before I left for the week would be great. The next day, Friday, I walk in and my office had a desk, bookcase and computer that were not mine. I was told my office was moved, and in 15 minutes I was to start my sessions for the day with no couch, and the disaster that is seen below.

Not only was there no way to make it presentable in 15 minutes, the carelessness that was used to move things was astounding. Pictures the children had made in therapy were crushed, torn, or taped onto each other (see first picture above with torn border). Kids work hard in therapy and are proud to see their theraputic pictures displayed in the office, and now they are crumpled and wrinkled. How can people have such disrespect for these kids, their progress in therapy and in their work, especially when these people moving it work in mental health!! Granted they are not therapists, but they should know the customer base they are serving.

Also, these cooperate people who obviously do not understand their customer base did not given me the opportunity to prepare clients for the upcoming change. Not only is it a new office, with a new shape, and a new hallway, I come out of a totally different door to the waiting room to come and get the child. On Saturday my clients had to experience this change, and let me say, my little Aspie clients had a very difficult time adjusting!

I hear my office has a couch now, and furniture is placed by the wall instead of the middle of the room, but I will not believe anything until I see it with my own eyes on Thursday.