The ambition to become a psychologist is often inspired by a naive desire to help people, to end misery. To a psychology student, much like anybody else, it seems that a degree in psychology will equip them with a sort of a magic wand. They often feel that they can use this “magical power” to change people’s lives. I was no different. Like any other fresher, I entered the clinical setting around three and a half years ago with high enthusiasm and some misplaced conceptions.
As I started to work, it didn’t take much time for those myths to shatter. Bringing about any little change in any patient’s life was so difficult. Clearly, it seemed, life changing psychotherapy is like a unicorn. It doesn’t exist. I was disillusioned. Even questioned myself if I was in the right profession.. if psychologists had any meaningnful role to play in a patient’s recovery.
I struggled with these questions as I went along with the flow. Patients came in and went. I found myself studying more, working better and gradually I started to see the changes. I was finally in the right direction I felt. I remember a diwali greeting from a patient, who messaged, “Happy diwali to a wonderful person who brought back happiness in my life.” Another patient once came to the centre on her birthday and told me, “I wanted to spend my birthday with someone who taught me to live all over again.” So I was wrong. Life changing psychotherapy does exist. It just requires a lot of faith in yourself and in your patients ability to bring about a positive difference in their lives. Over the last two years, I’ve been fortunate to experience numerous successes and a few challenges as a therapist. But I’m not disillusioned anymore. I’m hopeful, for myself and my patients. I’m more certain than ever that I can make a meaningful and lasting contribution to their recovery. I have grown and evolved as a psychotherapist. But I still have a long way to go…and I’m looking forward to it with the same enthusiasm and the desire to help that I began with. After all, miracles only happen to those who believe in them. And I do!!!