Recovery from Skin allergy – Metaphors of Movement

The client I was referred to was suffering from  psoriasis/skin allergy   for a long time .The friend who referred me to him told me in a very unassuming tone – “ He does’nt open up . He has been to so many therapists “. But I trust you you would be able to help .

At the beginning the client outrightly said – I have no stress , no issues , little bit of anxiety that’s all…

I said to myself – That’s great .. little bit of anxiety is good to have …

Me : Whats the problem ?

C- I have skin allergy  on my right leg . I have been to several doctors and it is still there .it itches . want to get rid of it . Will it go away ? I am not sure whether you would be able to help.

Me- Hmmm . I am not sure either … When does it itch more ? I mean which time of the day … Did you notice

C- Evenings when I am free … Have nothing much to do . My focus gets there ..

Me- Hmmm. And whats it like …

C- Its irritating and I get angry …

Me – and whats your experience like … ( shared two examples to explain what I am asking for )

C – Its like I am standing on a hillock with lots of stones on my shoulders …

Me – Hmm ….and you are on the edge looking down on others ..

( and this elicited an unexpected response from the client ) …

The client was excited and said … yes I do look down on someone … There is an issue of integrity …and the stones re the questions I cannot ask …

The session moved onwards from  here … what the left brain did not reveal , the right brain revealed with What’s it like ? and the idioms – “ You are on the edge “ and “you are looking down on others” helped the left brain understand what the right brain wanted to communicate .

The client has recovered from the allergy after two sessions