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Many people have a cartoon image of therapy: the
patient lying on the therapist's couch in a sterile office while the doctor sits behind
him, out of sight, jotting notes on a pad of paper and watching the clock. Marriage
counselors often are portrayed as stern referees behind a big desk facing a nervous couple
in stiff chairs.
My office isn't like that at all. It's in a renovated
old house on a shady street near the heart of town. The room I use the most we
call "the living room" because that's what it looks like. You can sit on a sofa, a comfortable chair, on the floor if
you want. Enjoy a cup of coffee or tea while we talk. In winter I arrange the
furniture in front of the fireplace. And you'll always find fresh flowers on the
mantle. There's
a reception area with nice wicker furniture and current magazines and other
reading material. For children, I have a smaller room furnished with a
pint-sized table and chairs and a futon couch. There are children's
videos, books, toys, even a teddy bear.
I've
made a conscious effort to create a warm, relaxed atmosphere where I hope
you will feel comfortable. |