Episode 2: The Mountain Metaphor for a Healing Journey

Hosts Monika & Sammy break down the subliminal scripts and healthcare practices which set providers up to be the gatekeepers of wellness. In this medical model, “we are the gatekeepers of wellness” and patients must go through us to “receive” healing. 

Using the mountain metaphor they redefine pelvic PT and patient roles. The healing journey is depicted as the “The Mountain.” Rather than dragging patients up the mountain, PTs are guides who walk the path alongside their patients, guiding them around common pitfalls, exploring new paths, and supporting the hiker (i.e. the patient) along their journey. 

They share why the Mountain Metaphor is so powerful, from clarifying responsibilities/boundaries to reducing emotional exhaustion and increasing compassion in pelvic health PT. Neither of them were able to “unsee” this once they learned it and began changing their practice patterns. 

Highlights of Episode 2: The Mountain Metaphor

• 0:00 - Intro
• 0:36 - Exposing the underlying subliminal script in healthcare
• 3:59 - The Mountain Metaphor 
• 5:46 - Pitfall #1: Understanding the terrain 
• 7:06 - Pitfall #2: Assessing patient readiness & psychosocial factors
• 9:19 - Assembling a team 
• 12:09 - Each hiker is unique 
• 15:44 - Reimagining PT plan of care 
• 18:32 - Pitfall #3: Underdosing patients 
• 20:41 - Hiker independence & wilderness training 
• 23:20 - Dr. Monika shares how The Mountain Metaphor helps her 
• 26:25 - Dr. Sammy shares how The Mountain Metaphor helps her 
• 28:35 - Applying the metaphor to your practice 

 

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Resources from Episode 2: Mountain Metaphor

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• Follow Dr. Sammy Steele on Instagram & LinkedIn
• Follow Dr. Monika Stefanowicz on Instagram & LinkedIn