I have certain pseudo-spiritual beliefs concerning psychotherapy which have contributed to my desire to become a licensed counselor. I believe that being a therapist is one of the noblest things that a person can do with their life. My suspicion is that there is no more effective or longer lasting way to change the world than through psychotherapy. Many of the problems that plague mankind are psychological in origin and have the unfortunate ability to persist over the course of generations. One of the best ways to rectify these social ills is through psychotherapy. Individuals, families, and societies have been plagued by violence, inequality, addiction, and a host of other problems for millennia. Since the advent of modern psychotherapy, we have seen revolutionary changes in the psyche of mankind. I also believe that every individual is connected via the collective unconscious. If this is true, it might be argued that there is a single organism comprised of many bodies. By treating an individual, you can help that individual and the collective whole, as well. This is empirically true, even without taking the collective unconscious into account. However, I entertain the notion that there is some sort of unconscious psychological connection between each member of the human race. That is why I believe psychotherapy is of paramount importance for the future of mankind. I look forward to seeing the continued psychological evolution of mankind and helping in my small way to guide that evolution, as a therapist.
My own personal belief system is what I hold on to and what I hope will guide me through the difficulties I am sure to face counseling clients. I am hopeful that these beliefs will help me deal with any counter-transference that may arise when dealing with clients and fuel my desire to help others. I believe that everyone lives according to one or more myths, whether they consciously realize it or not. Myths provide order, meaning, and direction to the cultures and individuals who live by them. I believe that the psychological healing of individuals is inextricably linked to the rectification of the universe. This is my myth. I hope it will both sustain me, and help me facilitate positive change for my clients, throughout what I hope will be a long career as a psychotherapist.
Thanks for following my blog…Am excited to come to your page as a result. It sounds like we have a lot of similar interests. I teach in Religious Studies at a small private university part time and graduated from Pacifica Graduate Institute in the Mythological Studies Program. Looking forward to reading your upcoming posts.
Reading this convinces me that I’m not the only one having notions going in that direction. I wish you all the best in a position as a psychotherapist. I have been going to Adler/Jungian oriented Psychotherapists for up to 300 or more hours. The reason for this is that I’m a survivor of a mental Illness. Psychotherapy is indeed the most important factor in my psychiatric treatment plan.
Thank you for your comment. I suspect that there are many people with similar notions, because these ideas spring from the collective unconscious. I think it’s admirable that you’re getting help from a therapist. Many people never find the courage to do that. I wish you well!