One of the best parts about working in an office with other people is watching the space build character and quirk. With 13 staff members now at Sentier, odds and ends are piling up, and there are so many meaningful items in the office that add joy and color to our days.
We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite items in the Sentier office – the things that tell our story and make Sentier feel like Sentier.
Lucy and Ryan
Child therapist and resident crochet expert, Lily Ferriera, bestowed Lucy Goosey on us late in 2023. Shortly after that, Ryan appeared by her side, and how they are inseparable. Lucy and Ryan bounce around to different parts of the office and seasonal items such as shamrock hats, a Valentines pouch, and baskets full of seasonal Reese’s cups pop up as the seasons roll along. Thank you, Lily
Trans Lives Matter / Protect Trans Lives!
When Sentier tabled at a Rally for Trans Lives in 2023, someone at the event gave us this beautiful wooden rainbow that they decorated. It says “Trans Lives Matter, Protect Trans Lives,“ a message that has always guided our practice and our work with clients.
Gratitude Book
Every month at our team consultation, we take time to go around and each share a personal and professional update, as well as something we are grateful for. We note each gratitude in this journal. It is a joy to flip through the book and be reminded of the bright points in our lives throughout the months and years.
Origami Hat
An origami hat sits on a statue in one of our shared offices – “A client made that for me 15 years ago and it is a meaningful gift that has sat with many therapists through countless hours of therapy sessions,” remembers Megan Sigmon-Olsen, Sentier therapist and clinic owner.
Worry Shredder
The mini paper shredder, also called the “worry shredder”, is a favorite of child therapist Bridgett Brye’s. Clients write their fears, insecurities, and uncomfortable thoughts and then shred them into a safe and contained space. What would you shred if Bridgett gave you a piece of paper and a pen?
Artist Point Plant and Pillow
The big pot in the office named “Artist Point” was given to therapist Sarah Souder Johnson the week she started working at Sentier back in 2015 and has been there ever since.
PS…Can you tell from all of these photos that we love having plants all over the office??
The mermaid fabric pillow in that same office is another fan favorite of clients. Some of them call it “Sentier’s pet”.
“It Can be Good and Hard”
In the office next door to Artist Point, also called “The Beehive”, there is an art piece that says “It can be good and hard”. This “DBT-esque” line resonates in many of therapist Tana Welter’s sessions. Tana also facilitates the Teen DBT Skills group, so she often has DBT skills on the mind.
Another of Tana’s favorite objects is the Marcel the Shell that sits on the shelf.
Mugs
Therapist Andrea Schroeder likes to admire the range of mugs in the kitchen. Hot beverages are a crucial aspect of many of our staff’s days, and having a special mug or two (that everyone else knows not to use!) is a way of visually bringing together our personalities.
Chickens on the Ceiling
One of the stranger things in our office that you might not notice unless you were looking closely are the rubber chickens on the ceiling of the group room. These were used as a fun activity in one of our groups and several ended up stuck up there. Every once in a while, one will plop onto the table and scare everyone – these chickens have become a reminder to pause and laugh at how absurd life is.
Howard the Buffalo Ottoman
Howard the Buffalo Ottoman lives in an office in our main level suite, and Ashley Groshek gets a lot of use out of this friendly guy – “Who doesn’t love him and all of the toys hidden inside!”
The unique personalities and approaches to the job that Sentier staff bring into the space are what make Sentier special, and looking around, it is easy to see that creating a joyful space is an important part of our identity.
Next time you’re at Sentier, see which of these items you can find! And don’t forget to look around your own space and notice the items that are special and meaningful to you.
Blog written by Sentier Client Care Coordinator, Ellie Struewing.
