Life can be messy and riddled with a myriad of experiences that shape who we become. Notice, I did not say, shape who we are. Who we are, and who we have become are two different things. You are not your childhood trauma, your relationship failures, or your workplace woes. Those are experiences that have impacted you physically, psychologically, and even spiritually. They may have wounded you, and you may feel that pain in the core of your being, but that pain and those experiences are not who you are. Finding, who you are, is a journey of personal discovery.
Previous generations often had difficulty seeking counseling. The culture at the time encouraged families and individuals to not, “air your dirty laundry”. As such, people buried their personal pain which often leached out as depression, anger, anxiety, and an inability to show or give love and affection. Fortunately, things have changed. Today, people are more open to counseling than ever before and there is less stigma. These days, almost everyone “has a therapist”.
Not everyone who seeks counseling is doing so because of difficulties in their lives. Many seek counseling to promote a better sense of well-being, explore a deeper side of themselves, gain clarity, and learn how to better cope with life’s challenges.
“Make the unconscious conscious, so you can be your authentic self”– Jung