Therapy Is Now Popular!

I am so relieved. I am no longer the only person in the world who loves psychotherapy! OK. I was never the only person in the world who loves therapy but for as long as I can remember there has been a serious stigma against it. You were crazy if you were seeing a therapist or you were weak or you were shamefully revealing family secrets that were supposed to remain buried forever. Am I right?

I loved therapy so much that I became a therapist. Now I get paid for spending my days within the deep, dark, rich, psychospiritual worlds of humans who are courageously choosing to do the work to mend their broken hearts and reconfigure, recalibrate, restore, and revive their authentic rainforest-minded sweet selves. How is that for a fascinating career path? And now, it appears, I am popular my services are in demand!

How do I know therapy is popular?

There are clues.

These recent articles in the NY Times report how singles looking to date have added ‘been in therapy’ to their requirements.

How the Language of Therapy Took Over Dating. “…Therapy-related words and phrases have trickled into workplaces, surfaced at schools and galvanized people online. But the proliferation of these terms among daters represents a distinct shift. “In the ’50s, or even the ’80s, it would be hard to imagine that saying ‘I see my therapist regularly’ would have status,” …taking care of one’s mental health carries social currency in some spheres…”

Seeking Relationship, Therapy Required. “…Gen-Z and younger millennials are much more likely to seek mental health help than older generations, according to a 2018 survey by the American Psychological Association. The pandemic also brought mental health even more into the mainstream, making it something people make into priority and talk about openly…Many singles, rather than looking for someone of a certain height or a particular profession, are now saying they want someone who works on their mental health. They are advertising their requirements on their dating profiles. In 2021 the mention of therapy in Tinder members’ bios increased 25 percent, according to the company. (“Emotionally stable” went up 12 percent and “emotionally mature,” 47 percent.) Hinge surveyed its users in November and found that 91 percent of them prefer to date someone in therapy…”

Then, there are the recent TV programs. On AppleTV+, Ted Lasso, Ted and members of his soccer team see a therapist, in more than one episode, I might add. Clearly the therapist is making a difference. Then, there is a newer program called Shrinking, that explores the lives of therapists in a way that makes them human but also suggests psychotherapy is a complicated, yet, necessary adventure. On ABC, in a recent episode of the program Station 19, one character is shown working through childhood trauma doing quite powerful inner child work with a therapist. This is unprecedented. Over the years, from what I have seen, therapists and therapy have not been portrayed positively in the media. Finally, that appears to be changing.

One of the writers for the show Shrinking, who also happens to be on Ted Lasso, Brett Goldstein, had this to say in an NPR interview:

“I’ve always been interested in therapy and therapists… It’s quite a unique relationship between a therapist and a patient. The fact that they can know more about you than anyone.. And yet it’s professional and you’re paying them to listen and there are boundaries…This relationship can go on for years and years. …There’s no other relationship like it, I don’t think. There’s no equivalent…” He mentions later in the interview that he has benefitted from therapy himself along with several of the other writers and actors on the shows.

So, my dears, this is good news. And not just for my future career stability! It has always been my contention that a significant source of the dysfunction in society is due to how we raise our children and how often unhealed trauma gets passed on from one generation to the next. Granted, it is all quite complex but surely healing from childhood abuse and neglect in a safe, compassionate, therapeutic container with an experienced practitioner who also does their own inner work, would improve life on planet earth.

If you are already in therapy, thank you! It is not an easy road and there will likely be moments when you want to quit. Don’t. If you have been thinking about it and are hesitating, there is no better time. There is a list of therapists who work with gifted folks in the US, here. I know of a therapist in France, a few in Brazil, Holland, Belgium, and Spain. There are coaches, if you prefer, who know the rainforest mind. And, as you know, there are times when body workers, acupuncturists, and energy healers are what you need. I know that these services can be expensive but many practitioners provide sliding scale payments, if you ask. There are also agencies and university training programs that charge lower rates. There are free 12 Step groups.

Have I convinced you yet? If not, here is one more clue. There are therapists on Instagram who have thousands of followers! This might be a place to begin. You could start with Yasmine Cheyenne or Nedra Tawwab. And, remember, not only will you be mending your broken heart and restoring and reviving your authenticity, you will also be improving life on planet earth.

And, well, most importantly, you will be popular on dating sites!

_______________________________

To my bloggEEs: Let us know what you think. If you know of a particularly wonderful therapist in your area or you are one or a coach or other healing arts practitioner for rainforest minds, please share your contact information and location here! And thank you, as always, for your loving presence. Much love to you all.

(Note: Just in case you are wondering, I am only licensed in Oregon so can’t see counseling clients outside of my state–and I’m not taking new therapy clients. So, this is not an ad for my services! (I do consultations, as you know, but those are not about addressing trauma, but about the gifted topics.) I know it is hard to find the right fit, because of that rainforest mind of yours. But don’t give up! If you get involved with the SENG group or GHF, you might ask for referrals for good practitioners in your area.)


Author: Paula Prober

I’m a psychotherapist and consultant in private practice based in Eugene, Oregon. I specialize in international consulting with gifted adults and parents of gifted children. I’ve been a teacher and an adjunct instructor at the University of Oregon and a frequent guest presenter at Oregon State University and Pacific University. I’ve written articles on giftedness for the Eugene Register-Guard, the Psychotherapy Networker, Advanced Development Journal and online for psychotherapy dot net, Rebelle Society, Thrive, Introvert Dear, and Highly Sensitive Refuge. My first book, Your Rainforest Mind: A Guide to the Well-Being of Gifted Adults and Youth, is a collection of case studies of gifted clients along with many strategies and resources for gifted adults and teens. My second book, Journey Into Your Rainforest Mind: A Field Guide for Gifted Adults and Teens, Book Lovers, Overthinkers, Geeks, Sensitives, Brainiacs, Intuitives, Procrastinators, and Perfectionists is a collection of my most popular blog posts along with writing exercises for self-exploration and insight.

27 responses to “Therapy Is Now Popular!”

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  1. Are You Too Much Or Are You Just A Lot? – YOUR RAINFOREST MIND

    […] your depth. Some of you will need to change career paths multiple times. Some of you will need to find a good therapist who can take you on the deep journey to heal your early family trauma. Some of you will need to […]


  2. Allison Gleichman Avatar
    Allison Gleichman

    Hi Paula! Thanks for this post and the work you do! I’m a therapist in Colorado working via telehealth with adolescents and adults who are neurodivergent/gifted/2e, particularly specializing in stress, anxiety, and depression.

    I’ve worked with gifted, 2e, and neurodivergent folx for over 15 years and am 2e myself.

    I can be reached at http://www.heartfirsttherapy.com, allison@heartfirsttherapy.com or at 303-578-6811.


    1. pprober Avatar
      pprober

      Thank you for this, Allison!


  3. Jenifer Shott, MS, LPC Avatar
    Jenifer Shott, MS, LPC

    Thank you for the great work that you do, Paula, and for highlighting the benefits of therapy, coaching, and growth work in general. I am a licensed counselor in Colorado, and I specialize in neurodivergence (gifted, ADHD, Autism, 2e, 3e, etc.), as well as in anxiety, depression, non-monogamy, and LGBTQIA2S+. I often refer my clients who are gifted to your book and website, and have received highly positive feedback around the helpfulness of your informational materials.

    For folks who may want therapy in Colorado around the experience of being neurodivergent in a neurotypical world, my information is below:

    Jenifer Shott, MS, LPC
    720-900-5358
    Jenifer.shott@lookingglasshealing.org


    1. pprober Avatar
      pprober

      Oh, thanks Jenifer for sharing my information with your folks and for sharing your contact information here.


  4. Heather Anne Keyes Avatar
    Heather Anne Keyes

    Thanks for your work- it has been very useful for many clients around the world and for myself! And yes, therapy can be FUN too when expectations, judgements and should-isms are bracketed so the curiosity about-what-is can flow!
    I am a psychotherapist licensed in Mexico, working online with complex, diverse and intense clients worldwide in a coaching capacity on a sliding scale as well. http://www.heatherannekeyes.com


    1. pprober Avatar
      pprober

      Thank you, Heather! Do you speak Spanish as well?


  5. Katy Higgins Lee Avatar
    Katy Higgins Lee

    Great article, Paula. Such an interesting and needed cultural shift regarding therapy!
    I’m a therapist in California, working with Gifted and 2e adults.
    http://www.katyhigginslee.com


    1. pprober Avatar
      pprober

      Thank you, Katy!


  6. Mieke Avatar
    Mieke

    Dear Paula,
    Thank you for your blog!
    I live in Belgium and thinking of seeing a therapist BUT the link you made in your blog for Belgians doesn’t work. Can you ment it?
    Thank you,
    Argentine Tango Dancer


    1. pprober Avatar
      pprober

      Thanks for telling me, Mieke. I will go in and fix it today.


      1. pprober Avatar
        pprober

        The link should be working now, Mieke!


  7. Adrienne Sloan Avatar
    Adrienne Sloan

    Thank you for your work Paula! I refer clients to your book quite a bit. I offer therapy in NM, and just started a mentoring/membership style support focusing on IFS for gifted and highly-sensitive folks https://goingwithin.studio/


    1. pprober Avatar
      pprober

      Thanks for sharing my book with your clients, Adrienne!


  8. pprober Avatar
    pprober

    https://opalcounselingcenter.com Catherine Mathon. Longmont, Colorado. Counseling.


  9. pprober Avatar
    pprober

    Jennifer Geo https://compassionspace.ca Banff, Alberta, Canada; Counseling


  10. itssue42 Avatar
    itssue42

    Humans are actually making some evolutionary progress, i.e. realizing healthy minds are integral to a healthy existence. As a kid, almost 60 years ago, when I begged my (abusive) mother to let me see a psychologist, her response was “you’re not crazy”. Back then, I’m not sure there was even much recognition of how intense verbal abuse of kids by their parents could cause severe lifelong trauma.
    Now, just wish I had access to a great therapist. 🙂
    (4-hour drive & internet too slow for zoom/skype)
    but meditation and dancing helps!! 😀


    1. pprober Avatar
      pprober

      Here’s to human evolutionary progress! And to dancing and meditation! Thank you, Sue.


    2. Kanan Avatar
      Kanan

      I so love your writings Paula, I often refer my clients to your book Your Rainforest Mind! This is another brilliant article!

      I am a holistic gifted/2e coach, declutterer and healer – my container aims to be therapeutic and affirmative so that people can move forward when they have been stuck due to childhood traumas.
      I am based in the UK but work online so anywhere in the world.

      Thank you for shining a spotlight on our tribe – much needed when we find ourselves part of a small section of the population!


      1. pprober Avatar
        pprober

        Thank you, Kanan. What is your website/contact information?


        1. Kanan Tekchandani Avatar
          Kanan Tekchandani

          It’s https://www.aspiecoach.com/ thanks Paula


  11. Gordon Smith Avatar
    Gordon Smith

    Thanks for your work in the world, Paula. I work with gifted adolescents and adults as a therapist, coach, and improv instructor.

    https://giftedandgrowing.org/


    1. pprober Avatar
      pprober

      Thanks, Gordon! And you are based in North Carolina, USA, right? Do you coach worldwide?


  12. Pascale Coutanceau Avatar
    Pascale Coutanceau

    Important and useful post, Paula :-). I work as a gestalt therapist with gifted and neurodivergent clients, psychotherapy, coaching, sometimes a blend. I also work with couples. You can come to my office in Arendal, Southern Norway. Or we can meet online – no restrictions. I speak fluently French, Norwegian and English. http://Www.arendalpsykoterapi.no


    1. pprober Avatar
      pprober

      Great to have you here, Pascale! I hope other therapists and coaches provide their information here so this post can be a resource. Thank you.


  13. Gail Post Avatar
    Gail Post

    Great article, Paula. So helpful toward dispelling any reluctance some might have about therapy.


    1. pprober Avatar
      pprober

      Thank you, Gail. And I might add that you are a therapist in PA with a new book out The Gifted Parenting Journey. So, if any readers are parents of gifted kids, check out Gail’s book!

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