Realness and Humor

 

 

Let’s face it, psychotherapists have a bad reputation for being overly analytic, distant, and “healthier than thou.” As if it has they were some how free of neuroses (Wouldn’t it be nice if a TV or movie therapist would at least once admit that they, too, have relationship habits that just aren’t working for them?). While it’s important for me, in my therapist role, to be able set my personal issues aside, I also want to assure you that I am not “above it all.” The commonality of our “insanity” is the humor to be found in therapy. Indeed, is this not the basis of all great comedy?

Yes, therapy is deep and heavy, but it can also be “enlightening” in a  more literal sense, and what previously seemed like an unlovable human flaw can be seen anew as perfectly understandable, possibly comical,...and utterly adorable. 

Here’s the deal. The human soul doesn’t want to be advised or fixed or saved. It simply wants to be witnessed — to be seen, heard and companioned exactly as it is.
- Parker Palmer