One of the few great things I’ve done in the past eight months? I found a therapist. I hadn’t seen a therapist in nearly thirty years, because:
Therapist #1:
She was super nice (although very much into molestation). The wife of one of my favorite professors. And I’m definitely not against hypnotization. In fact, I let her try to hypnotize me, but I fell asleep on the couch and she seemed a little pissed when she had to wake me up. (She released me as a client shortly after my nap.)
Therapist #2:
This guy was a therapist specializing in career counseling, and I saw him after I graduated from college while I was bagging up dead folks at the hospital. I did go out for a drink after therapy, but never with Mitchell the Therapist. (I ended our relationship less than a month after Cobain’s suicide.)
Therapist #3:
This is my current therapist, and I’m not going to draw her because I don’t want to reveal her identity. Unlike Therapist #1 and Therapist #2, Therapist #3 asks good questions and makes me talk and our conversations lately have gone a little bit like this:
Therapist #3 (T3): Your feelings are valid.
Me: No, I know, but…
T3: Your feelings are valid and your happiness is just as important as anyone else’s happiness.
Me: Okay.
T3: Let’s do a quick exercise. Make a list of the 5 people who are the most important to you.
Me: (makes list)
T3: Now, tell me where you fall on the list.
Me: I’m not on the list.
T3: (Looks at me.)
Me: I know.
I love her. She will not fix me, but she might put some tools in my toolbox and we all need tools.
YAY! I have yet to find the “all purpose” therapist. I’ve had luck with therapists for specific issues/downturns but not one for…um…maintenance? I guess?
#2: Seriously??? Egads!
#3: Yay. Have to say I’m pretty astonished that you found anyone with available time in their schedule during this year full of crazy. I’m thinking the front-line therapists have been the only thing holding *every*one together lately!
“She will not fix me, but she might put some tools in my toolbox and we all need tools.” I love that so much. I went back to therapy a few weeks ago, and I have some things I know I’m not ready to work on. But I do want to fix some other things, and get some new tools; really, that feels like good enough right now.
I have seen my share of therapists…. Thirty-four years ago I was referred to someone who saved my life, and that is not hyperbole. The process can make the difference between life and death. I am glad you found the right person for this time and place.