Contains Certain Psychological Assumptions

Not Imagination, But Interpretation

Photo by Johannes Plenio on Unsplash

Dear Reader,

In the two previous articles I linked earlier, we explored four of the most frequently asked questions about therapy — from the perspective of everyday people, through the lens of a client, and as mere observers.

In this third and final part, I’d like to reflect on the last two questions that came to mind while writing those earlier pieces. (Writing is such a fascinating process — even while you’re in it, it continues to inspire. Maybe especially then.)

Here we go:

• Therapy as a result of being excused or needing to be excused
• Therapy as a result of one’s character

I’m fully aware that my question headings sound off-putting — almost deliberately so.

But I’m also quite sure they’ll provoke less anger than the previous two pieces. At the very least, I believe this third one will spark more agreement.

Have you noticed how we tend to be more forgiving towards people who carry past trauma, struggle to manage certain emotions, or fail to meet basic expectations?

Perhaps we’re not so generous in spirit — maybe it’s just a self-defense mechanism. In order not to feel hurt or…