Compliments

Recently one of my patients complimented me. I thought I would write about it because I tend to forget compliments immediately and instead dwell on criticism. A teenage girl came in and said, "I like you, Jennifer." I smiled. She said, "I mean I really like you. You've helped me a lot. You are someone I can talk to. You're a counselor but you're hip too." I nodded in agreement with this. I am a hip therapist! I decided to go with the compliment instead of gloss over it and asked, "How have I helped you?" She said, "Well, I haven't heard voices for months now. When I get anxious, I come talk to you about the problem or think about what we've talked about, and I feel better." She's one of my favorite patients, and she is doing a lot better. Usually when I get a compliment, from anyone, not just from a patient, I start talking or change the subject. I think it's good to be silent in case the person wants to extend the compliment or even inquire more, like I did above. How do you handle the situation when you get a compliment?

Corporal Punishment for Children

Cloud and Frou Frou, my two cats, knocked over my sticker collection (one of them, that is)! I got home from work last week and found out! They aren't supposed to even be up on my art desk in the first place. I shook my finger at them and said, "You have done a very bad thing!" The thing is I didn't yell at them, just spoke in a slightly stern voice. They looked up at me with blank faces. Then they asked for their treats, like business as usual. I gave them their treats after a five second punishment that they also didn't understand. They are good cats but can sometimes be mischievous!