Those who adopt a get-over-it attitude about psychological pain can be dismissive of those who seek relief from this pain that is invisible, and sometimes seeming even incomprehensible. Such attitudes of dismissal can result in feelings of being invisible or crazy, when—in most cases—what is actually true is that the suffering individual is adrift in a sea of feelings they don’t understand. A close relationship with an effective therapist can lead to understanding, and healing, these feelings.

 Gauging Progress

     Recently I learned about a woman who saw a therapist for years, and she thought that her tearful sessions must indicate that she was getting better. Eventually she began to see how little had changed, and that her tears were not an index of emotional growth. Reluctantly she left her therapist, and she found one who was better qualified. In time, with the help of her new therapist, she began to see and feel changes taking place within herself.

     The field of psychotherapy is confusing, and ways of gauging progress are complex. Many people, at different stages in the process, feel lost. If they don’t yet have a secure relationship with a therapist, where can they go for their feelings about therapy itself to be understood? 

Contemplating Therapy

     This site is intended to serve as a safe place for this, and a place where visitors can consider the many ways therapy can help them find resolutions to both short-term and long-term challenges. The site is for people who are contemplating past, present, or future therapy. Comments shared here may help readers recognize new possibilities for how therapy can change lives.

     At this website you may:  

• post a therapy-related question or dilemma;
• share the meaning of therapy in your life;
• learn about related resources;
• feel encouraged to enter, return to, or continue in therapy.

     Of course, reading about therapy is not a substitute for qualified treatment.