"There is no Tool for Development More Effective Than the Empowerment of Women." Kofi Annan
WAGE Center Philosophy
The most important thing when working with a new client, whether an adult, adolescent or teen, is to help them feel safe and start building a trusting relationship. This is a process and each client sets their own pace. However, we see it as our responsibility to ensure that clients feel safe before doing any therapeutic work. Any techniques, training and skills, will be of no real value unless a client feels they can be their true self without being judged, invalidated or unheard. Each individual’s life experience is different and there is no telling others what is right or wrong for them. The focus is guiding clients in the process of healing the parts of themselves that they feel are broken.
Ready, Safe, Grow…
Once a client feels comfortable and safe, we will work together to identify core issues and what has been helpful or hurtful in the past. Although approaches are individualized, there are many sensory techniques that we commonly use, in order to help clients express themselves in ways that words cannot. These may include drawing pictures that represent emotions or situations that are hard to otherwise explain. A client does not have to possess artistic abilities to do these exercises, as it is truly about gaining access to the sensory part of the brain, which cannot be accessed through traditional talk therapy. Written exercises are often used for clients that like to express themselves through writing. For clients that have a strong connection to music, expression could be through writing music or relating to actual lyrics or music that express words and feelings for them. Music can also be used in other ways, for calming or creating a different mood.
We also utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which involves identifying and changing negative thought patterns by breaking the cycle and replacing thoughts to create different feelings and behaviors. Relaxation techniques are used for clients that struggle with anxiety and similar emotions. Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET) is another frequently used method, as it involves asking specific questions that motivate and empower clients to make changes on their own. The methods used are varied and generally include a combination of strategies. Over time, a partnership is developed and we work together to use the strategies that work best, as well as identifying new ways that will support the process. We always welcome other ideas from our clients as well!
The most important thing when working with a new client, whether an adult, adolescent or teen, is to help them feel safe and start building a trusting relationship. This is a process and each client sets their own pace. However, we see it as our responsibility to ensure that clients feel safe before doing any therapeutic work. Any techniques, training and skills, will be of no real value unless a client feels they can be their true self without being judged, invalidated or unheard. Each individual’s life experience is different and there is no telling others what is right or wrong for them. The focus is guiding clients in the process of healing the parts of themselves that they feel are broken.
Ready, Safe, Grow…
Once a client feels comfortable and safe, we will work together to identify core issues and what has been helpful or hurtful in the past. Although approaches are individualized, there are many sensory techniques that we commonly use, in order to help clients express themselves in ways that words cannot. These may include drawing pictures that represent emotions or situations that are hard to otherwise explain. A client does not have to possess artistic abilities to do these exercises, as it is truly about gaining access to the sensory part of the brain, which cannot be accessed through traditional talk therapy. Written exercises are often used for clients that like to express themselves through writing. For clients that have a strong connection to music, expression could be through writing music or relating to actual lyrics or music that express words and feelings for them. Music can also be used in other ways, for calming or creating a different mood.
We also utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which involves identifying and changing negative thought patterns by breaking the cycle and replacing thoughts to create different feelings and behaviors. Relaxation techniques are used for clients that struggle with anxiety and similar emotions. Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET) is another frequently used method, as it involves asking specific questions that motivate and empower clients to make changes on their own. The methods used are varied and generally include a combination of strategies. Over time, a partnership is developed and we work together to use the strategies that work best, as well as identifying new ways that will support the process. We always welcome other ideas from our clients as well!