How Do We Psychologists See Our Patients?
Most people who make an appointment with the psychologist do so because of the need to improve their mental state, because they feel unstable. Patients who want to enter therapy usually start when they are about to lose control, or if they have already lost control. This is when we psychologists realize the tremendous power and value of these people. People who confront themselves, instead of going overboard with excuses.
Despite the many clichés and society’s ignorance regarding the function of psychologists, patients start therapy because they see it as an opportunity to get their lives back in order . They will have to learn to unlearn certain behaviors, habits and thoughts that caused the situation.
I want to recognize the patients who make an appointment with a psychologist as brave. These people have a great sense of responsibility towards themselves. They are by no means “crazy,” as our ignorant and fearful society sometimes calls these people.
We psychologists don’t give advice but therapy
If you need advice, go to your best friend, your partner or someone in your family. They know you like no other to be able to advise you well. But if you need someone who can explain your behavior, explain to you why you feel a certain way, and choose the appropriate techniques and treatment for your personal characteristics, then you need to see a psychologist.
We all know how difficult it is to make an appointment with a psychologist. That is why we always try to provide all possible information from the beginning. And we try to tell the patient exactly what we are doing and why during therapy.
It is very rewarding for psychologists to see that, having worked with many mindsets and emotions that were painful for the patient, he now has control over them . When that happens, the patient feels much better. He begins to do many more things and approaches problematic situations from a different perspective. He can filter his thoughts so that he can see them in a much more objective way.
We are convinced that many people would take the step to seek psychological help when they see the results we achieve, both on a personal and social level.
We psychologists learn from our patients
Psychotherapy is an experiential process based on dialogue, in which therapist and patient mutually influence each other. There is a learning process and a transformation on both sides. Not only the patient changes, learns and changes, but also the therapists, to a greater or lesser extent.
As any good teacher would, we also learn from our patients. It is necessary to clarify what it means to us that our patients teach us things. When we tell a patient how much we admire him for his courage or determination, we see a look of bewilderment or wonder in him, as if he doesn’t believe that we are learning from him too.
All people indiscriminately, patients and therapists, are exposed to suffering and disappointment. On the other hand, we all have a deep desire to improve our general sense of well-being. To enjoy more joy and tranquility. Our patients don’t come to our clinic to specifically teach us something, but they do it implicitly. With their clarity, their dedication to their own processes and their ability to make the necessary decisions.
