Sometimes clients make side statements that are difficult to respond to. "Oh, things aren't that bad." No, I'm not going to offer that reply. "I'm sure it'll get better." A platitude helpful with its empty meaning.
What's an example of a difficult side statement? A meaningful comment made, either as an afterthought or matter of fact, like "Don't grow old, Anatolia." A few clients have told me this in a context of illness or challenge that growing older brings. Sometimes these comments are meant in humor but not always. Sure, it may be a comment that could be delved into during a future session but sometimes it is just a passing comment. A client may not want a response too. Yet I have this instinct to want to be reassuring in some way.
I envy case managers who just know what to say and whose responses are genuine. Certainly a skill.
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