Beginners Mind
I recently began training to become a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP). Somatic Experiencing (SE), founded by Peter Levine, is a therapeutic approach that addresses the root cause of trauma symptoms by helping individuals complete self-protective responses and release trapped survival energy in the body. The program spans three years and is divided into eight modules of advanced training. Each module involves 4-6 days of both didactic lectures and experiential practicums in large and small groups.
At the start of each practicum session, the instructors often remind us to adopt a “beginner’s mind” as we apply these new ways of working. Many of us are experienced clinicians with countless hours of therapy under our belts and multiple post-graduate intensive trainings. We come to SE with a therapeutic style grounded in theoretical and clinical knowledge, honed over years or even decades. Yet, in our newness to SE lies the gift of nuanced observation and uncertain experience, if we can embrace it rather than trying to prove what we already know.
Beginner's mind is a concept rooted in Zen Buddhism, emphasizing approaching experiences with openness, curiosity, and a lack of preconceptions, similar to how a beginner would. It involves letting go of assumptions, biases, and past experiences to perceive things with fresh eyes and an open mind. Beginner's mind encourages a non-judgmental attitude, fostering new insights, learning, and growth in various aspects of life.
I love the sound of this concept. It encourages openness, improvisation, and playfulness. Yet, as soon as I sit in that therapist chair, I notice familiar constrictions in my chest, racing thoughts of anticipation, and the desire to do a “good job,” even though I know that the best job I can do is to learn—and learning often means failing.
Fear of failure keeps so many of us from trying new things. Failing is uncomfortable and I like most humans do not like being uncomfortable. Of course, I see the value in it which is why I am back yet again doing something new, negotiating how brave I can be/how silly I am willing to look. What if I don’t seem like I know what I am doing? I am a very experienced therapist who is fully confident in her skills and yet if I practice something that’s new everyone will see my mistakes, my wrong turns, and they might judge me or even worse discount me.
Adam Grant writes a lot about the importance of failure. He states, “Ultimately, what we regret is not failure, but the failure to act”. And that makes so much sense to me. One of the profound lessons I’ve learned so far is the power of presence. In Somatic Experiencing, being fully present with clients, without the pressure to “perform,” allows for deeper attunement and a more authentic therapeutic process. This presence, combined with the beginner’s mind, creates a space where both the therapist and the client can explore the therapeutic journey with curiosity and openness.
As therapists, we often strive for perfection, but it’s in our imperfections and vulnerabilities that we find true connection and healing potential. This concept is lovingly referred to as “fuck up therapy” in Gestalt circles. By embracing the beginner’s mind, we not only enhance our therapeutic practice but also model a powerful lesson for our clients: that growth and healing are lifelong processes that thrive on curiosity, openness, and the courage to face the unknown.