The Wish to be Understood


I recently had a consultation with a prospective patient.

The prospective patient spoke English, but it wasn't his "mother tongue.”

He was worried that he would not be understood…that his most primitive feelings
would not be heard.

In fact, many people considering seeing a psychotherapist worry about being understood. They worry about telling their story. About saying—out loud—what has been kept within, stored in silence and pain.

They wonder how a stranger would understand.

When treatment is effective, the therapist learns the meaning of the patient's language and helps to interpret what has not been understood by the patient.

It’s ironic.

 

Vera Muller-Paisner, Westport Family Counseling

(203) 227-4555