Not everyone is going to like you and that is okay. One of my favorite parts of being a counselor is getting to know other people. I have some clients that I share a lot of commonalties with and some are the polar opposite. There are some clients I think I would get along better than others that I am very wrong about. On the other end of the spectrum, there are some clients who are the complete opposite of me where we get along great.
One of these clients is a self-described “eclectic witch.” This client is from a predominately Christian family and they greatly disapprove of what this person does. In our first session, I stated upfront that I am a Christian and this person was okay with that.
I still meet with this person on a weekly basis on a telehealth website. This client’s biggest issue is the inner struggle this person feels as they want to honor their parents but at the same time wants to still practice witchcraft. The work with this client has been to stay true to his self while at the same time not offending his parents.
As I think more about his situation, there is not going to be a reality where essentially this person has the best of both worlds. Eventually, he is going to have to make a decision to practice witchcraft or complying with her parents. Why can’t this person have the best of both worlds?
It goes back to truly knowing yourself and doing what you must to be as authentic as possible. This is like trying to please everyone and have everyone like you. This just will not happen as this would mean making decisions that compromise your character to please everyone. The best relationships are when a person has the freedom to truly be themselves.
With my client who is an “eclectic witch” I would not think his parents are going to approve of his job. If that does happen, someone either the client or his parents are compromising. Even as a therapist I have my limits. Believe it or not, it would be unethical for me to convert this person to Christianity. If this person asked, it would be a different story. I cannot impose my beliefs on him.
Because of this dynamic, this therapeutic relationship is working. Sometimes the client will ask what my thoughts are on something he is doing because he knows I approach this person’s job from a different perspective. The “pull” this client is feeling is struggling with her Christian upbringing while doing a job that is in direct conflict of her parent’s values.
This week will be this client’s fifth session. Progress is slow as most client’s progress is. While I cannot impose my own beliefs, I be present with the client during our sessions and serve as an objective third party.
If you are looking for a therapist near you and a Google search is a great way of finding one. I happen to be a therapist in Charlotte, NC but am licensed to counsel anyone in the state of North Carolina. In Google, try looking for “psychotherapist,” “find therapist,” “therapy near me,” or even “counseling charlotte, nc.” If you feel like you have hit a wall you are not able to get past, call me at (704) 458-6298 or email me at jeffhelms@clearerthoughtspllc.com.
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