This morning I came into work with the intent of
changing some pictures and things in my office.
After completing the changes in my office, another therapist and I were
talking. He mentioned how he wanted to
shift things around in his office as well so that it was more comfortable for
him and created a more therapeutic environment.
I quickly offered my help and we worked together as
he explained what he thought would be best.
I offered a couple of other suggestions as well, even though I knew that
it is his office and that in the end he will have things placed as he wants
them to be. We discussed for a minute
and he made his decisions as we put things in their place. This task of moving and changing things
around may have taken a chunk of the day, but because we teamed up and helped
each other out, it was a quick, simple process.
The following story illustrates the
need for each team member:
Aesop’s
Fable - The Belly and the Members
One day it occurred to The Members (parts) of the Body that
they were doing all of the work while the Belly got all of the food. They
believed the Belly was lazy and unproductive.
It was decided that they would hold a meeting that evening
to discuss how unfair this seemed. After what was a very long meeting that
night it was voted on that The Members of the Body would go on strike until the
Belly agreed to take its proper share of the work.
The unhappy body parts didn’t do anything for several days
in an attempt to stop feeding the Belly. The Legs stopped walking, the Hands
stopped moving and the Teeth stopped chewing.
As a result of this inactivity and the starving of the
Belly, the Legs became more and more tired, the Hands could hardly move anymore
and the Mouth became parched and very dry.
Eventually the entire Body collapsed and passed away as the
Belly completely starved.
Being a team is sometimes very difficult. Here are four keys to keep in mind while
working together as a team while your child is going through this process of
change and growth.
1. Some members of the
team’s contributions may seem less significant or of less value than others, especially
as it compares to those that are more prominent members of the team. However, always remember that each member of
the team is still important, even if it is just a supportive role.
2. Another moral of
this story is the need for teams to refrain from evil speaking of each other, gossiping,
jumping to conclusions, etc. These negative
things will inhibit the therapeutic process and are not beneficial at all. One must trust in the team members and trust
the process.
3. Team member
accountability is critical, but shouldn’t be personal or based on assumptions.
Accountability is based on trust, which is built over time.
4. Because everyone in
the team plays an important role to the success of your child’s goals, the
vision and goals must be cascaded up and down the organization so everyone is
in alignment.
As we go through the therapeutic process with your
child, it is essential to work as a team.
We have to put our minds together to follow through with the best ideas
and path for your child. Our team consists
of those at Logan River, therapists, teachers, staff, etc., as well as parents,
and of course your child has to be a part of the team too.
When all of the team works effectively together
things go more smoothly, just like on a clock or an engine as the gears
properly catch and turn the other gears.
When one member of the team tries to be in control
and dictate what is to be done, the process becomes rocky and the rest of the
team cannot effectively do their part. Things
fall apart.
If you are unsure as a parent what your role is or
how you are a part of the team, make sure to discuss that with your child’s
therapist.
Jeffrey Openshaw, LMFT
