Use it or lose it. We normally hear this saying when it comes to muscles and movement, but it applies to various aspects of modern life. Technology has made life pretty convenient. We don’t memorize phone numbers anymore. If you’re trying to remember a song title, google it. If you’re feeling down, connect with a therapist. There’s a scene in the show The Agency (S1, E4), where the father tells his daughter that he wants for them to try make a fresh start. The daughter replies: that’s what my therapist said you’d say. The father replies. That’s what my therapist told me to say. It’s the age of scripted relationships.
Therapy 24/7
The mental health industry is one of the fastest growing industries globally. And with AI therapist making it more convenient, I expect the number of people seeking therapy to increase even more. But as more people pay experts to listen to them, are we squandering away opportunities to connect with friends and family about our lives? Or if you’re in a romantic relationship, a chance to grow together and understand each other better? Most of our partners or friends might not be trained in what exactly to say and when, but it’s how we build relationships. I mean, where would the gals in Sex and the City be, if instead of talking about their life over brunch, each one goes see a therapist. Then they see their friends and talk to them and ask questions, in a manner where no one gets offend or they don’t cross boundaries.
Therapy For All
Previously, only people who were clinically diagnosed with mental issues would seek professional help. The normalization of therapy is an age where anyone can go see a therapist, even if life feels dandy. The underlying theme seems to be that we are all somehow slightly broken. Therefore, we need healing. It reminds me of the concept of the original sin—how we are all born tainted. But this time, from birth, life breaks us and we are all recovering from life. It’s depressing. I would like to think that my experiences in childhood and as an adult, the good and the bad, build me.
Scripted Relationships: Say This! Not That!
The growing popularity of therapy also coincides with articles and blog post that tell us what to say or not to people. I’ve seen articles on how to talk to people who are grieving. What not to say to someone going through heartbreak, someone who is on a diet.. We are living scripted relationships, when one therapist talks to another through us.
The more I think about it, the more I’m guessing that constantly following guidelines on what to say and when to shut up, means depriving ourselves of self-expression. There’s an element of suppression in this way of communicating, that in the long run, can be unhealthy. The point is to not overly worry about how an expert or a therapist would handle a situation. Instead, learn to assess if what we are saying or doing is coming from a place of noble intention. In the end, that’s all we can hope for. Also, if you have made it a habit to start a therapy chat whenever you’re feeling off, don’t forget actual people you know and care about. They might not always say the stuff you want to hear, but it’s part of connecting, building, and loving.
