Posted by DaisyM on March 23, 2004, at 10:29:13
In reply to Re: Marinoff and 'philosophical counseling'-2nd, posted by 64Bowtie on March 22, 2004, at 17:41:35
First, I have to learn to type "philosophical" -- I wonder what Freud would make of that.
I agree with most of what Rod said, we do need to recognize that life is just full of conflicting pressures and choices and our dissatisfaction with the way things are drives us to make them better. (yes,the next sound you hear will be the nonprofit soap box being dragged to center stage...)
But I think we MUST work on our interpersonal skills as we work on our selves. Humans are social creatures and most unhappiness grows from being lonely and having no purpose. I'm using the word purpose here not as "worth" but as intent. Each day a person needs to know he or she makes a difference in the world in some small way. Even if it is just making carbon dioxide for the plants or sending a few good thoughts for someone into the universal consciousness.
It is this connectedness that is recognized by talk therapy -- and why it works. The practicality of relating the bigger questions to another person and to our life causes internalization of strength and intent. And we feel better.
My Therapist recently expressed a wish that our cultural would value inter-dependency with the same vigor we hold independence. Needing each other might make us take better care of each other.
Rod, personal note, you are doing fine. Your posts are getting clearer and clearer and I am not easily offended. I WILL argue with you when I disagree and I'll tell you if I'm offended, which isn't easy to do. Consider I work with 2-year-olds who never hesitate to "tell it like it is". :)
poster:DaisyM
thread:326975
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20040321/msgs/327356.html