A light in the darkness...

Throughout internship, I have had the opportunity to work with a variety of clients, varying greatly in age, race, socioeconomic status, and culture. Each client has offered up a new and exciting challenge, and each has been an opportunity to learn something new about the human condition, and myself as well.

Not unlike my typical week during the internship experience, this week has offered up challenges. I have several reports to write, collateral calls to make, and a few crisis situations to navigate and attempt to solve. Despite all the chaos, however, today I had an opportunity to pause and remind myself of the reason I am training to be a psychologist.

I see an elderly woman at a local nursing home here in Lincoln. I recently began seeing this individual approximately two weeks ago, and have enjoyed working with her very much. She has a wonderful disposition and is a joy to visit with each week. This week was no exception.

During our conversation, a member of the nursing staff dropped by to say hello. The two chatted briefly and the nurse prompted my client to demonstrate their "secret." They bumped foreheads, explained the story behind this move, and we all laughed. Then, my client revealed the nicknames associated with the story. The client indicated she referred to the nurse as Butthead, and to herself as Beavis. Upon revealing this information, the three of us all burst into laughter. The client reported her inspiration for these nicknames came from the cartoon "Beavis and Butthead", popular several years ago on MTV.

The thought of my elderly client knowing who these characters was totally made me stop and laugh, taking in the moment and the experience. It is moments like this that remind me how graeful I am to be able to share in the lives of my clients. I consider it a great priviledge to be allowed into their world, even if for a short time.

I am sure this moment will help me to have the extra push I need to finish out the week in a productive manner!