Let’s Go With the Flow

I’m the kind of person who writes everything down.

I have lists for food shopping and”baby needs” shopping; I have to dos for my business and my website; I have post its for family and “hubby” reminders.

You name it, I’ve got it written down.

So it’s no surprise that I’m very focused when it comes to session planning and am always sure to write down exactly what I have planned for an upcoming client or group.

Over the past few years, though, I’ve tried to break free from my “session plan obsession” and go with the flow more.

So what does that look like?

It’s coming into a session with my client’s goals and some targeted interventions at the forefront of my mind, but then tuning in to their mood and behaviors and responding appropriately.

Maybe I had an academic intervention planned to start off the session, but I see my client jumping up on a chair and then crashing into a bean bag on the floor. That tells me it’s more important to address the sensory seeking behavior and “feed that sensory need” before we can get to work on numeral identification (watch videos to see how I might address that here).

I’m definitely flexible even when I have a written session plan, but I find it very freeing to come in without a planned agenda, to “go with the flow” and to respond in the moment to my clients’ needs. This also gives me the opportunity to involve and empower the client by letting them choose what they’d like to do next. It’s as if we’re both working together to ensure the session is appropriate and meaningful.

Now I’m curious to hear whether you use a written session plan or if you’re more “go with the flow.” Leave a comment below to get the discussion started!

Image courtesy of digitalart at FreeDigitalPhotos.net