Long-Term Therapy in a Short-Term World
In praise of thoughtfulness, optimal quality of life and reflective living
In praise of slowness, growth, careful attention and reflective living
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How come we are always running around in a big hurry and not getting anywhere? How come there are hundreds of books on how to be happy, but they don't seem to help? How come we keep thinking we will pay attention to what we want later? Perhaps it is time to get serious about addressing the inner obstacles that are preventing you from having the life you truly want.
Fairly frequently people ask me what I do. For example, a few days ago, I was in the bank, talking to the banker about my accounts. He asked, “What do you do?” I said, “I am a psychotherapist,” not thinking about his question. He sat back, “It must be so depressing listening to people’s problems all day…” he said. This is a rather common response.“Actually,” I told him, “I love it. I get to be part of people’s lives.I get to see their lives get better, and I get to help them pursue their optimal life.” He thought a moment. “Wow. That sounds pretty good.” I said, “It is!” He said, “But if you put it like that, then everyone would want therapy.” I smiled. “That’s the point,” I said,“Everyone should be able to have it.” He shook his head and went back to the file. It seems that most people are unaware that you can insist on making your life the best it can be, and if you do, it will be a whole lot better.
Fairly frequently people ask me what I do. For example, a few days ago, I was in the bank, talking to the banker about my accounts. He asked, “What do you do?” I said, “I am a psychotherapist,” not thinking about his question. He sat back, “It must be so depressing listening to people’s problems all day…” he said. This is a rather common response.“Actually,” I told him, “I love it. I get to be part of people’s lives.I get to see their lives get better, and I get to help them pursue their optimal life.” He thought a moment. “Wow. That sounds pretty good.” I said, “It is!” He said, “But if you put it like that, then everyone would want therapy.” I smiled. “That’s the point,” I said,“Everyone should be able to have it.” He shook his head and went back to the file. It seems that most people are unaware that you can insist on making your life the best it can be, and if you do, it will be a whole lot better.
Nora L. Ishibashi, Ph.D.
405 North Wabash Avenue, Suite 1303
Chicago, IL 60611
312 222 2226
