Circle No. 73: "Intention: The Hope and Presence We Bring to a Session"

Intention is hope. It is defined as "a mental state that involves a commitment to a course of action." In Latin it means "to stretch toward" or "to turn your attention to something." Early English meaning of intention is "a moment of heart, mind or understanding." I like that one.

 

As intention relates to the therapeutic stance and course of action of the therapist toward the patient, I think intention has significant meaning. My teacher, in describing a craniosacral session, says "Intention is the force and plan of action of our touch." Therefore, the quality of our force or course of action is pivotally important. It is the presence we bring to a session.

 

Throughout our teaching we speak of intention of the therapist as holding a safe, gentle environment in which we create a quiet, comfortable space in which the patient can get "in touch" with what their body is trying to tell them.

 

We are meeting a person who is having trouble understanding why their body or life circumstance is

presenting with a condition that may include pain, loss, anxiety, panic, physical and mental limitations, illness, sickness, fears of the future and no apparent potential for change, healing, resolution or a constructive way forward.

 

Our teaching and training is to cultivate the intention of the therapist to hold a witness space that is

impartial, non-judgmental, ego subordinated and being present. The result of manifesting an intention for the patient and their body is to give them hope. Hope that there is someone who cares; who will not judge.

 

To be sure, not all intention is hope. There may be a time in life when someone's intention is hurtful, pain producing, destructive or not helpful. There still is a space to hold for that patient to witness 

intention and find healing in discovering it was not their fault. That they did survive is an offering that

they ARE good enough to find hope and a way forward. When intention is ill willed or hurtful, finding hope and a way to resolution can be life changing.

 

As a CS therapist, we are one who is committed to holding space--even in the face of pain and loss--to give the Inner Wisdom of the body space and intentional support to come forward with understanding, acceptance and sometimes a pathway forward. A pathway that includes letting go and moving forward toward healing and hope for the future.

 

THERAPEUTIC INTENTION is about being present and offering the unconditional love of HOPE.

 

Happy Day,

Don Ash