Intro to Spoon Theory
What is spoon theory?
Spoon Theory is a way to conceptualize the experience of living with chronic illness, chronic pain, and disability.
Under the premise of spoon theory, spoons represent the energy needed to complete daily tasks and responsibilities. This can vary day-to-day and looks a little different for every individual. For people with chronic illness, pain, and disability, there may a limited number of spoons available to use. Additionally, someone with a chronic condition or disability may require more spoons to complete a task than someone who does not experience one of these conditions. Perhaps I might start my day with only 10 spoons, while someone else starts with 20. Maybe basic tasks require more spoons from me and my 10 spoons than from you and your 20 spoons. Where does that leave each of us by the end of the day?
The origin of the concept of spoon theory is attributed to blogger Christine Miserandino, an individual living with lupus. She came up with the idea from a conversation at the table with a friend as she was trying to explain what it’s like to live with limited energy. Spoons were an easy an accessible tool to explain the concept visually to her friend in the moment.
Spoon theory has become a big topic in the chronic illness community, highlighted often by the term “Spoonie,” which many people have come to identify with. It gives us (individuals with chronic illness) a way to understand our own needs and capacity, while also explaining to others in a concrete way. It can look and feel a bit differently for each person based on their unique experiences, needs, and responsibilities.
How might spoon theory show up in therapy?
As a therapist with chronic illness who works with many clients with chronic illness, I bring up spoon theory often in sessions. This may be through educating clients on it, using it as a way to check-in, or just a broad discussion of what this looks like in someone’s daily life. We can use spoons as a way to communicate about where you’re at each day/session in order to always be on the same page.
On days where you may be low on spoons, we might approach our session in a more gentle way. If you’re feeling energized and have sufficient spoons on a different day, maybe we will do a deeper dive that day. Therapy is one of those things that can take a lot of spoons!
At the end of the day, I get it. I know what it feels like to be low on spoons, and I will always support and validate how this might feel for you.
