Posted by Jost on October 7, 2006, at 19:36:24
In reply to Think I know my problem but it can't be fixed, posted by Phillipa on October 7, 2006, at 12:33:28
Phillipa, I absolutely think therapy would help.
It's a question of what your reality "has" to be. It doesn't have to be as you now perceive it. It's hard to change how you perceive reality-- it doesn't happen easily, but it happens if you work at it.
It's something therapy is good for, if you want that. You don't have to think of yourself as old-- In one sense people are physically or psychologically older (or younger) than--whoever, people here, or anywhere.
In another sense, everyone has the present-- whatever they make of it-- and in that sense, no one has more at any moment than anyone else-- per se, according to health, attractiveness, intelligence or anything else-- whatever "now" can be-- whatever you make of the opportunity to experience it.
I think, as we all, do, when in the grip of an experience, you're overestimating the given, or necessary, quality of it. It's true, our ways of perceiving can be (as well as seem) somewhat intractable-- but they have the capacity to change. At any point, even very difficult ones, there's an element of will or choice--not simple will, but some deeper emotional struggle that you participate in, which can grow, even if gradually, or with success over time--to an emotional engagement that diminishes many bad things that seem immutable and defining.
It's really hard, and often discouraging, but you can do it. You've been working towards it, trying to find a way to take the steps you need-- one of them being to find a therapist--the right one, even if you have a hard time giving yourself permission to do it--
Jost
poster:Jost
thread:692740
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20060926/msgs/692822.html