the dilemma of opening up

[coraljune]

I've been told that I don't get very personal (very often) in here. When I do, I usually keep it vague enough to be factually useless despite the emotional TMI. I tend to write about things that happen in my life or in the world, I post memes, or I ask questions of my readers to get away with not actually having to say anything. Some of my posts

Comments

[mugoi_usagi]

So...*hugs* it's okay to be normal. I think dealing with crazy people gives you more right than others to be perfectly normal. You don't have to try to amaze us with your brillance or wit.

I feel the same way when I write things and people don't respond. It's probably just that either they don't have anything to say to or about it, or they don't know what to say. It's not that we don't care about you! ^_^

on another note, is it just me or do we all sound sick for saying things like, "Boy I love talking to depressed people and other people with serious issues!" Man...we must be masochists! ^_^; But hey, I'm looking forward to it! ^_^

[coraljune]

I know, but thanks for saying so :)   It's still good to hear.

And yes, it does sound so strange, doesn't it? Those without any inclination whatsoever to talk to people like this must think we're all nuts.

[mugoi_usagi]

Hey, as long as we like it! I mean, I've gotta be INSANE to want to try to work with angry couples! What the hell put that thought into my head? Oh well!

[coraljune]

Oh, I don't know about insane. If you reframe it in terms of what is probably more psychologically accurate at deeper, more primal levels and the roots of the most common couple-based problems, you're talking about working with couples who are hurt, disappointed, and afraid. What they show on the surface is anger, but that's not where you do most of the work.

I don't see anything crazy about wanting to help people who are scared, sad, or in pain feel better. And that's essentially what you're talking about when you get right down to it. I think it's wonderful.

[mugoi_usagi]

I'm scared. T_T I have a feeling I'll work with people older than me. What if they don't respect me? Man...I'd be willing to wait another 10 years to have to grow up...

[coraljune]

You will work with people older than you, and it won't be an issue most of the time. Some people will ask how old you are, if you are or have ever been married, and whether you have children, but at the end of the day if they feel better for having talked with you, they won't care. Respect as a therapist is not conferred by age but by how the client feels in response to you. You don't have to be an "adult" to help people feel heard, understood, better - you'll do fine.

[mugoi_usagi]

Thanks. ^_^ That means a lot. Especially since you're young yourself. ^_^ (it always seems to be less reassuring when a 60 year old says that sort of thing. Dunno why. Maybe because they were new so long ago.)