One of the myths surrounding those who seek a counselor is how the person “must be so messed up.” People would say to someone who was struggling with an unhappy relationship “you need a therapist” instead of looking at their behaviors and whether or not they were part of the problem.
Others think people who go to counseling are the ones who commit atrocities like school shootings, or other massive, dangerous behaviors.
While any person on the planet could snap at any time (think about that for a moment!) (Why We Snap, book). We also have to consider all the people who regulate their emotions and choose to not act out a behavior just because they “thought it.”
Could you imagine if every negative thought you have ever had toward another person came true?
Would you be willing to stand up and confess you thought in a way which would cause harm?
Probably not.
If we had a microphone on the inner thought processes most of us would shrivel away and hide from embarrassment or shame.
Am I hitting a nerve?
Maybe. Maybe not.
We forget about the humanness of others when we sit in judgment of them and don’t see the hurt, pain, loss, or abuse. While bad behavior done to us isn’t an excuse, which exempts bad behavior done by us, we also have to look at the many people who seek a therapist and change the trajectory of their lives by exploring pain and loss, trauma, and fears.
They set goals to help them move through life safer, and more peacefully, often without the use of substances to numb the emotions. I call this empowerment.
Some meet a life coach, and they also set goals, and these steps help change their lives. Others talk to pastors, or close friends who listen. Even other meet with a sponsor and discuss recovery ideas, challenges, and hopes.
People seek counseling for more than psychotic and dangerous behavior. Some seek help to work through stress.
Others the relationship issues concern them, so they seek help.
And some want to have someone safe to talk too, who isn’t in their daily business (gossiping family members who mean well, but…).
The next time you consider throwing shade on someone’s desire to better themselves by seeking a supportive guide, stop yourself. Benjamin Franklin said it well:
Here’s a shout out to all the therapists, counselors, mental health practitioners, life coaches, and recovery support people: thank you for helping change the world one hour of listening, guiding, and supporting people at a time. Your empathic heart and time matter in this world. We need you.
— Just a thought by Pamela
—
This post was previously published on Change Your Mind Change Your Life.
***
You Might Also Like These From The Good Men Project
Compliments Men Want to Hear More Often | Relationships Aren’t Easy, But They’re Worth It | The One Thing Men Want More Than Sex | ..A Man’s Kiss Tells You Everything |
Join The Good Men Project as a Premium Member today.
All Premium Members get to view The Good Men Project with NO ADS.
A $50 annual membership gives you an all access pass. You can be a part of every call, group, class and community.
A $25 annual membership gives you access to one class, one Social Interest group and our online communities.
A $12 annual membership gives you access to our Friday calls with the publisher, our online community.
Register New Account
Need more info? A complete list of benefits is here.
—
Photo credit: iStock