Seeking counsel, understanding and an explanation of the inner psyche has been a bedrock of humankind throughout history. The Greeks and Romans, before the common era consulted oracles; 16th century Africans consulted MANBO and Voudoun priestesses and HOUNGAN. Many of our early guides through the world of human emotion and the mind were rooted in mysticism, animism and or religion. They interpreted signs and gave prophecies based on the beliefs of the times and the history of their people.
Today’s mental health counselors look to the study and science of human thought and behavior. Predictions of the future are based on past behaviors, research, and probability studies and algorithms.
An Increasing number of people are in some kind of psychological therapy. Think of the people you know who have mentioned therapy or discussed it with you. It no longer holds the stigma of the past. In many professional circles it is considered a sign of self-care, along with having a dentist or a primary care physician.
Having a psychologist or mental health worker is now depicted within the media as a normal every-day occurrence. From the hardened criminals in the “Sopranos” and “Analyze This” to the comedic brothers in the tv series “Frasier,” being in therapy, is seen as a good thing.
Despite the increased numbers of movies and TV shows highlighting a cultural acceptance of therapy, the stark reality is that too many wait until the “house is on fire” before seeking help. Because the suffering has gone on and on and on, the pain is now deep.
The longer one waits to address pain and treat injury, the longer and more painful the recovery process is likely to be. In addition to those who wait too long, there are still those who aren’t seen at all. Too many unnecessarily suffer high levels of mental pain, anguish, and confusion because they resist or avoid mental health treatments.
A way to think of therapy is comparing it to the renovation of a house. It is a good house. It is strong, has good structure and it shelters you. You were born into this house. But your house has been neglected or it has sustained some damage, wear and tear. Many things happen both on the inside and on the outside of your house. Most things that happen are beautiful. But sometimes strong winds, floods, fires, breaking and enterings can absolutely cause damage. You have been encouraged to and you know you need to repair the damage or strengthen it in preparation for the future. You are a good housekeeper but you have done as much as you know how to do, ALONE. You may have spoken to your neighbors, friends, and family and wondered about the advice they were giving. Perhaps their houses weren’t strongly constructed either or they just didn’t seem to quite understand the problems you were having. Perhaps you recognize that the do-it yourself repairs or quick fixes are not permanent solutions.
Now you need some professional help.
Consulting a therapist is akin to bringing in an expert — the licensed plumber, the electrician or even a new paint job. This is not the same as bringing in friends who have done a few jobs under the table. Therapists can help identify old wounds, propose strategies and share their methods for repairing those wounds. A mental health professional has the ability to teach us skills to strengthen and fortify our future.
Careful that you don’t get tricked by short cutters using online Apps, “therapy by bot” or using devices to text and communicate with people you don’t know or are not familiar with. In the age of Telemedicine and telepsychology, be sure to connect with a licensed, credible professional.
In Hawaii, there is a philosophy called Kīnāʻole. Kīnāʻole is complex but it boils down to “do the right thing, in the right way, at the right time, in the right place, with the right person, for the right reason, and with the right feeling.”
If you are calling us it must be the right time and the Honolulu Psychology Collective provides you with the right therapist, at the right place.
