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Empowerment Professionals P.C.
310 W. Hudson
Royal Oak, Michigan

48067
(248) 336-2133

Announcing:

Appointment of

Larry M. Gant, Ph.D.,

As Clinical Director

July1, 2011

Solo Private Practice:

 A Step by Step Guide

to Opening Your

Private Practice, by

B J Patchett, LMSW

  See "Contact Us" 

    for more  information

See "Contact Us" Page For Seminar Details (and Discounts)

See "Services" Page For OCPPNS Details

Educational Corner

Where Are We?

As I walked through the doors, I was greeted by officials in uniform, my briefcase confiscated and I was hurried through a makeshift door.  Pockets were emptied by many as one hears,  "Sir, madam, please continue on around the walkway and pick up your belongings."  Long stark, uninviting hallways lay before us.  At long last we reach our destination. Sunlight radiated through  the windows as we sat there almost over-taken by the mix of colognes and perfumes filling the air. There was a coolness to the room that lasted only a short time.  As others file into the room, a stuffy warmth seemed to permeate the air.  Some interacted freely, but others became stiff, terse, refused eye contact, even refused conversation. Bodies touch as they are packed together, and others noticeably attempted to stand as far away as possible.  While there is a constant rotation of bodies and chairs, others squirmed from long waits. Individuals slipped into the hallway for a drink  of water, often as a means to kill time. Yet for others it is an attempt to refresh a dry throat. Oh, how cold and sweet the taste!  “I can't imagine the water ever tasting so good," was the sentiment echoed throughout. The tension and anxiety level ran extremely high as I looked at faces etched with pain, anger, and fear. One could hardly hear a low rumble of voices while others sat in a silence that was almost deafening. Half shaved hair, fair chalky skin that looked stark against a black suit; eyes with little or no expression are only a small part of the picture. The picture was further completed by an oversized jacket that hung so long on this small frame that it was almost impossible for the hands to reach the pockets. The jacket sleeves draped over the knuckles and on over the end of finger-tips almost concealing the hands. I found this not unusual. As I scanned the room, I found completely shaved heads and ear-rings, and others with baggy, bright colored clothes. Everyone seemed to be making their own fashion statement. But were they? Another look and I realized this was not a fashion statement as much as it was a cry to be noticed. They seemed to be saying: Look at me!  I hurt! As they waited, they had this unshakable taste for freedom as never before. The moment of truth arrived as they were called into the court room to tell the judge their side of the story, and hope that maybe he would see their pain.

Author: BJ Patchett, copyright 1994

Not to be copied or used without written permission

Empowerment Professionals PC, 310 W. Hudson, Royal Oak, MI 48067

Proud Member of the Dynamic:

     Photo Courtesy of Elliott Photography

Beverly J Patchett

LMSW, DCSW, CAADC, ICAADC

Empowerment Professionals

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