One of the things I love about my graduate program is my professors’ creative use of the tangible (movies) to educate us on the intangible (theories). Last semester, my family counseling professor asked us to watch The Matrix to help us understand how the science of cybernetics applies to family counseling. That's not a movie I would have chosen on my own, but I am thankful I watched it. At one point in the movie, Morpheus tells Neo the matrix is a veil that prevents him from seeing reality. This quote made me reflect upon the different veils in my life that keep me from experiencing reality, being real with others, and most importantly, being real with myself. (Hello, perfectionism and need to perform. It’s nice to see y’all again.) I watched this movie several months ago, but obviously this concept stuck with me. When I begin working with clients on a daily basis, I must be cognizant of my veils, so they do not hinder the development of a healthy therapeutic relationship. I must also be cognizant of my clients’ veils. This awareness will allow me to understand what blocks them from embracing their realities and how to help them overcome those blocks. So, fellow counselors, what veils do you wear? What keeps you from being real to yourself or to others? What veils do your clients wear, and what can you do to help remove them? Just some food for thought. Enjoy digesting it.
Courtnay Veazey is a graduate student at Mississippi State University pursuing a Master of Science in clinical mental health counseling and working as a graduate assistant at MSU's Career Center