How People View Psychology

One of my clients who has been coming to see me for almost year came in this week and at the end of our session we were talking about how far my client has come since he’s been coming to see me. This led into a brief conversation about this term psychology. My client was saying that he never thought he’d be seeing someone in psychology because of the connotations associated with it. He didn’t specifically mention what connotations he associated with psychology or psychologist but I think we can all assume what he meant. It goes something like this: something must be wrong with me if I need to see a shrink or only crazy people see shrinks. Does this sound about right? 🙂 My client said, he didn’t feel that anything was ‘wrong with him’. He’s right. There is nothing wrong with him. He’s been bumping up against mental & emotional obstacles in his personal life because there are skills he doesn’t yet possess.

His current view

My client went on to say that working with me wasn’t at all what he expected. He said that I’ve really helped him realize that there is ‘nothing wrong with him’. He realizes he’s lived his entire life headed (mentally & emotionally) in the same direction but got to a place where it wasn’t quite working anymore and needed to make a change and this is what I’ve helped him to do. He also said he didn’t realize there are so many layers to making that change and although it hasn’t been easy he’s respected the process. He see’s that change is possible.

Where is he at

My client is glad he ‘took the chance’. He has been able to develop aspects of his life that were getting in his way. He’s been able to realize that what worked when he was twenty doesn’t work in his forties. He has a different outlook on life and what he needs to do to get what he wants. Where he once thought his professional and personal life were similar he’s realized that there is a huge difference in them. He was living his professional and personal life at a macro level. He didn’t understand that his personal life needed a micro perspective that includes emotions and knowledge and use of emotional skills because my client didn’t have those skills or that information.

Finding your way

My client is finding his way and you can find your way. Psychology doesn’t have to be scary. Yep sometimes in sessions we talk about uncomfortable things and that can be scary, the unknown is scary and change is scary but psychology not really so much particularly if you have the right guide walking you through it. 🙂

Who to look for?

During the conversation with my client (dare I say) I let him know that there are dysfunctional people who work in the field of psychology; any field. When you are ready to move beyond your obstacles finding the right person to work with is important. It’s a combination of personality, experience and really great communication skills. Interview potential candidates over the phone. You are looking for one that has the personality, experience and communication skills that make you feel comfortable.

You can call and interview me! 🙂 I also have FREE initial consultations!

Have a great weekend!

Dr. Michelle

Photo credit: mansionwb