End of the Session

When the intention has been reached, and sometimes before, the ending or integration phase of the session begins. The client has "moved through" or reached some kind of resolution. The client is experiencing themselves and their body in present time. At this point there is often an energy shift. This is also the place that is easy to rush, especially if there is a sense of urgency about time. As the therapist you must hold a paradox here. You must both keep the process slow enough that integration can occur and stay focused so the work can be completed in a timely manner. You will need to be mindful that you are closing the work, not opening a new topic or piece of work.

It is time to help the client integrate the work, bring it into the present moment, relate it to the intention and have a touchstone or way of continuing to connect with the beneficial experience, the empowerment and new knowing. As the session closes, you may suggest a touchstone for the person, usually a symbol or image, something that comes from their work, that can serve as an awareness, a practice or something they can carry into the future as a resource for further integration and healing.

The last part of the integration phase of the individual session is what is called in Gestalt therapy feedback and Ray Castellino calls essence statements. I prefer the term essence statements because it is more clear that the group member is sharing with the client their personal reaction and experience during the work. This is not feedback, per se, such as, "I really liked it when you did that." It is more, "When you did that it touched me in this way and reminded me of (whatever) in my own life." The client who just worked simply listens and is encouraged not to comment but to just receive.

These basic principles apply to any psychotherapeutic work, with individuals, families or groups. One belief that informs my work is that we as human beings are pushing ourselves toward wholeness at all times. Just as a cut finger begins instantly to mobilize resources to heal itself, so does the psyche know how to heal itself with appropriate support.

A major goal of therapy is to rediscover, experience and reclaim the authentic self. In the pre- and perinatal group work, we do this by working at cellular and energetic levels, somatic and psychological levels. This therapy works to engage all parts of the brain. We calm the brain stem by orienting and creating and maintaining safety. We satisfy the limbic system by slowing the pace, creating contact, staying in the relationship of the work and by demonstrating unconditional positive regard, accurate empathy and appropriate mirroring. We engage the neocortex by recognizing, understanding and working with patterns and connecting the work to here and now experiences. Within this, we help the client to move slowly enough to stay resourced, stay connected to the somatic experience and consciously bring the little one into the present moment.