Let's Unpack That #1: The Tissue Issue

Send us Fan MailCounselors Victoria Frazier and Marisa Cargilll tackle "the tissue issue," unpacking the subtle yet significant implications of how counselors handle tissues when clients cry. They explore opposing perspectives about whether handing tissues to crying clients is supportive or potentially disruptive to emotional processing as well as how:More traditional counseling approaches advise against handing tissues to avoid implying clients should stop cryingOffering tissues can sometimes be a show of support and acknowledgment of difficult emotionsDifferent approaches may be needed based on the individual client and therapeutic relationshipIn telehealth settings, counselors can adapt by suggesting clients keep tissues nearby Using tissues as grounding tools or placing them within client's reach offers a middle-ground approachMany clients apologize for crying, revealing societal messages that tears are unwelcomeCounselors can normalize emotional expression by explicitly stating therapy is a safe space for tearsSometimes gentle humor helps clients feel comfortable with their emotional expressionQuality tissues matter – "one-ply tissue is just not going to cut it" The "tissue issue" reflects deeper values about how therapists create warmth and authenticity in sessionsWhat do you think? Send us your questions or topics you'd like us to unpack!If you would like to provide any feedback for the podcast, we invite you to do so at the form linked here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfV0u5jSuQ4hNaGM3Nioymbj4ZuQAIlcxIJrYr98fUgfiwnNQ/viewformIf you or your division have a PSA you'd like Ohio Counseling Conversations to share, you can complete the form linked here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScDWNUFWbzJ6OclTzEh8WvBFdgCi_cXtRq3XYKVQClGwLfUpA/viewformBoth of these links are always available on the OCA Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/ohiocounseling****If you’re a counselor in Ohio and would like to get involved as part of production or as a guest, or know someone who might be interested, please email us at [email protected]!****Created by the OCA's Media, Public Relations, and Membership (MPRM) Committee & its Podcast Subcommittee·Hosted by Marisa Cargill & Victoria Frazier·Pre-Production & Coordination by Kailey Bradley, Marisa Cargill, Victoria Frazier, Linda Marcel-Rene & Kendra Thornton·Editing by Leah Wood & Marisa Cargill·Original music selections by Elijah Satoru Wood