Why We Need Psychologists: Facing Pain and Finding Purpose

 

Many children who grow up without the mental and emotional support of parents often face two potential paths in life.

1.        The first path leads to addiction and the tendency to blame others for their challenges.

2.        The second path involves taking personal responsibility and realizing that rescue can only come from within.

Both journeys are difficult; the first centers on destruction, as addiction harms both the individual and those around them. The second path is about building a way out of destruction, which requires confronting pain directly and bravely enduring it to eventually reach a place of light. This path is far less traveled, as most people avoid dealing with pain head-on. To outsiders, it may appear that addicts are better adapted to society, but this is often because addiction creates illusions—something our society is eager to embrace. In contrast, authentic and raw pain is much harder to face, as it reflects the vulnerability of others. Unfortunately, vulnerability is often viewed as weakness, leading many to ignore their own pain and therefor struggle to be present with the pain of others. As a result, countless people in our society suffer in silence, which to me is truly heartbreaking.

There is a common misconception that therapy is only necessary for certain people. In my experience, everyone needs someone who can sit with them in their pain without discomfort or the urge to escape. Most people in society are not equipped to do this, and that is precisely why psychologists are essential. People often joke that psychologists will always have work, but they rarely grasp the significance of that statement. Ideally, society would not need psychologists, and I would happily sell ice cream instead—bringing joy in a simple, colorful package to the world. However, being aware of the pain people endure daily and having the ability to sit with that pain is my god-given talent. Meaning, for now, I would not want to waste it, selling ice cream.

If you have a psychologist in your life who can truly sit with you during your pain, be grateful. A good psychologist does not try to fix you, distract you, or medicate the pain away. Instead, she will sit with you in the darkness and guide you through it, helping you avoid dramatization of pain. This is why good psychologists are needed in the world—because too many people choose the first path of ignoring pain, while those on the second path are often left alone, taking responsibilty for their pain and the pain of everyone else. And it is just not healthy.

So, if you need guidance and support, I am here to help. Feel free to contact me.

Hila Naftali – Psychologist and Psychoyogi (maybe someday I will sell ice-cream)