A Question of Comfort and Blankets…and Pillows
Legs crossed and comfortable in my chair, I watch as she fidgets in the recliner. I use this time to allow her to get acclimated, making small talk about this and that, hypnosis and life. Last week she was too warm. The week before she was too cold. My office blanket lays abandoned in her fray for comfort. The pillows that she sunk into in a previous session are tossed about carelessly, lifeless things that they are. Then she gets up and walks out of my session room and back to the waiting area. I take a sip of my tea and pause before going after her.
This is good because she comes back into the calmness that has prevailed since her absence. With her, she has her bag, from which she pulls out a shawl and wraps herself in it. Leaving the pillows abandoned, unwanted, she finally settles herself (a few moments of readjusting the shawl and squirming to get into a comfortable position. But alas, she is not done. Just when I am about to start, her eyes pop open and she again digs into her bag. This time it is for a pair of old socks.
“My feet get cold,” she tells me. I nod, wishing I could put on a pair of warm socks and loose the heels.
Again, I center myself and get to the point of uttering my first hypnotic syllable.
I am again interrupted, “You know, Ellie, though I like you pillows and blankets, I just don’t like using items that I know other people use. I’m sure you wash them, but it all just freaks me out.” I tell her that is fine, she has been and is always welcome to bring whatever she thinks will make her feel more comfortable. It is part of my standard introduction-to-hypnosis patter.
And so the session finally moves along and she goes home. I write my notes on the session, but it has started me thinking about the comforts I offer my clients. Temperature is always an issue. One client is too hot, one is too cold, and one is just right. It is the three bear syndrome. I am not sure who Goldi Locks is, bit I suspect it is not me. I keep blankets and pillows handy, but I am always lugging them back and forth from the office to the house, where I wash them. Sometimes I feel like an over priced laundress.
So along comes the sponsored opportunity for the Cabin Cuddler. Kismet, perhaps? I believe they were originally designed for travel comfort, but they might just be the thing. How perfect if my clients would just bring one of these to their sessions. No more laundry. No more worrying about hygiene. All the client would have to do is unpack the cocoon-like blanket from the tote bag (which becomes a pillowcase for the blow-up pillow that is included). It even considers the cold-feet issue with a foot pocket. Warm, snugly and clean.
I suppose, I cannot assume all my clients would have their own travel blanket. Maybe a few for the office would be the way to go? They look more compact than the big pile of blankets and pillows I lug home to wash. Maybe for those who sign-up for the several session packages, one of these should be included?
So, here is the Sunday Question - hypnotists, counselors, and the the like, what do you do to help make your clients more comfortable in your space?
Those of you who are readers who are not included in the above, would you prefer to be responsible for your own comfort in places like hypnosis offices, counseling sessions, or public transportation (plane, train, or vehicle)?
