"You work with youths? That's so brave."
Hi there.
How's your day? Hope all is well. Anyway, I have an interesting story to share with you today. Sit tight, as it's going to be a ride.
Growth is such a pain.
As a clinical psychologist who primarily works with youths, I have witnessed firsthand the struggles and fears that many individuals face when it comes to personal and professional growth. It's a subject that is close to my heart, and I believe it's crucial to address this issue head-on.
Recently, I had a fascinating encounter with one of my clients that shed light on this very topic.
He arrived at my office, looking right into my eyes and hitting me with this comment:
Yo, your drip, all I see is fire. No cap. G.
Not going to lie, I had the faintest idea of what he meant. Individually, I understand the wordfs. But as a whole, I had no idea. That's possibly one of the most confusing moments I've ever had in my life, aside from the time where I had to choose between psychology and engineering as a career path.
Anyway, back to the story, out of this confusion, I faced a choice.
Ultimately, I opted for the latter and sincerely expressed my confusion.
Through our conversation, I discovered that his words were a compliment about my outfit. Basically, he meant to say "Your outfit is amazing. I'm being honest, sir." I'm paraphrasing here, but you get what I try to say.
In that exact moment of clarification, we shared a genuine moment of laughter, breaking down barriers and strengthening our bond.
This experience reminded me of the essence of therapy: embracing moments of rupture and repair. Just like our muscles and microfibers, we must delicately rupture our relationships to foster growth and ultimately emerge stronger.
The purpose of sharing this story is not to boast about my ability to adapt to new slang, but rather to emphasize the importance of evolving alongside the younger generation.
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The era evolves, and so must we. It's crucial to recognize that what worked for us may not be the best approach for them. Rather than assuming superiority and imparting wisdom, we must learn to connect with youths on their own terms. If speaking their lingo is the first step, then let's be willing to take it.
Growth should never be seen as an obstacle, nor should the fear that accompanies it be viewed as a hindrance.
In fact, it is precisely through these obstacles and hindrances that mental health professionals like me have been able to develop and improve. We must challenge ourselves to step outside our comfort zones, abandon what we are familiar with, and embrace uncertainty.
Social media has become a significant part of the lives of today's youths. In order to better connect with them, I have ventured into various platforms, seeking to understand their world.
Just a disclaimer here, I don't expect everyone to be knowledgeable about every aspect of their lives—it would be impractical and nearly impossible. However, I strongly urge you to embrace discomfort and overcome the resistance to learning.
It is not the act of learning itself that is problematic, but rather the lack thereof.
On a personal note, my interactions with youths have inspired me to delve into the world of digital marketing. I realized that expanding my reach through this medium would allow me to connect with more individuals who may benefit from my expertise.
If you're interested, I encourage you to explore this realm as well. The digital landscape offers tremendous opportunities to broaden our horizons and make a positive impact. I would recommend this course, as this is what got me into this area.
ANYWAY...
Juust remember that growth is an essential part of life.
We must confront our fears and embrace discomfort, for it is through these experiences that we can truly develop and flourish. As mental health professionals, educators, and members of society, we owe it to ourselves and to the younger generation to evolve, adapt, and engage with the world around us.
Thank you for spending time, reading this story of mine. I hope to hear from you as well. Until next time, keep growing!
Licensed Real Estate Matchmaker | Bringing Homes & Hearts Together
1 年We must be willing to immerse ourselves in their reality, learn their language, and understand their battles. This is how we truly make a difference! ??
Seeking Extraordinary
1 年Ivan Lee your narrative profoundly echoes the philosophy of Carl Rogers, a psychologist (and author of the book "On Becoming a Person: A Therapist's View of Psychotherapy") whose client-centered approach revolutionized therapeutic relationships. Your candid admission of not understanding your client's vernacular is a beautiful display of Rogers' concept of 'congruence' – the authenticity and transparency a therapist should embody. Rather than pretending to understand, you chose to be genuine, which helped in deepening your connection with the client. Your willingness to step outside your comfort zone and evolve resonates with Rogers' belief in unconditional positive regard, where we accept and support individuals regardless of what they say or do. By doing so, you're demonstrating empathy – another key principle of Rogers – in truly trying to see the world through the lens of your client. I'm also reminded of Carol Dweck's 'Growth Mindset' concept in your post. The desire to learn and understand, despite the discomfort, is an exemplary display of this mindset. Thank you for sharing your inspiring journey that beautifully highlights the therapeutic values of authenticity, empathy, openness, and a growth mindset.