Help, You Know I Need Someone

February 26, 2013, 7:53 pmDr. Psychobabble6 comments

“Help, I need somebody,
Help, not just anybody,
Help, you know I need someone, help.

When I was younger, so much younger than today,
I never needed anybody’s help in any way.
But now these days are gone, I’m not so self assured,
Now I find I’ve changed my mind and opened up the doors.

Help me if you can, I’m feeling down
And I do appreciate you being round.
Help me, get my feet back on the ground,
Won’t you please, please help me.”

Lyrics to “Help!” by The Beatles

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Today was a long but interesting day. I still have a lot to do tonight, including a fun conference call (I have a conference call phobia, just so ya know!)

I saw five different psychotherapy patients today. All of them had different, but in some way, similar problems. I had some thoughts regarding what I heard and said. One is that it always fascinates me that I am the “authority” at providing help for my patients. But I frequently see myself in them. I’m reminded of my own problems. And I always wonder about how my own personal issues affect the therapy that I’m able to provide for them.

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Two of my patients were experiencing a similar problem. And it was one that I could relate to and understand. I actually was able to provide (I think) good feedback and a touch of advice on the subject, as it’s something that I’ve been through in my life.

Now that I’ve been seeing some of the same patients for psychotherapy for the past nine months, I’m starting to form relationships with them. As I’ve said before, I frequently don’t feel like I’m doing much of anything. But today I was reminded of the profound effect that I have on my patients. They form deep relationships with me. They come to rely on me. They come to depend on me. And just being there for them can make a profound difference in their lives. Perhaps that’s something that should have been obvious to me before. But I’m starting to realize the variation in impact on someone’s life based on a single interaction versus a long-term relationship. It’s enlightening. It’s scary. It’s wonderful.

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Time to eat and prepare to do some conferencing!

Photos: All taken on walks in my hood.

Part of My “Yo Brooklyn, Fuhgeddaboudit” Photo Series

  • jofjord

    Sometimes the changes are so gradual that they are not noticed until (and unless) there is a reference point near the beginning. All part of growth I suppose. You help make it happen for so many. Very cool!

    • http://doctorpsychobabble.com Dr. Psychobabble

      I certainly strive to. But constantly question that. It’s certainly a wonderful blessing when I might!

  • Eng. Patient

    Re pics: Why do Ants need Trojans? I can understand toothpaste, but Trojans? Behave.

    Dear ‘Dr. Everything with a Smile’

    Counselling ended over a year ago but the words still resonate. The silences too.

    Many days, and often, many times w/in the SAME day, i feel on the verge of complete ruin.

    Your blog is an essential part of my Emotional First Aid Kit ~ gets me thru: Another Day. This is not easy.

    Look, You won’t always have the ‘right’ answer & oftentimes, the answers you give will be unbelievable or ones they already knew & hoped to avoid ~ translation: No ‘Thank You’s’ comin’ Your way. FUHGEDDABOUDIT!!

    However, that You can use Your own experiences to connect with people human-to-human is what matters & if nothing else, know that the simple act of them turning up each session is proof that You’re doing it well. Trust me, it ain’t easy.

    I’ve just begun my journey, & while i have The Most LUDICROUS Goals In Life of Anyone In My Position, EVER ~ the first, for now, is to just keep smiling. That’s it.

    And in yrs to come when people say: ‘WOW i cannot believe you went thru these things, you always seem so ~ UP! ‘ I shall say: ‘Yeah. This American doctor chick taught me the meaning of staying positive & you can do it too, try it.’ And they will & pass it on, domino style, & it’ll be good.

    Life is AWESOME. ALL people contain Awesomeness w/in them.

    I do NOT believe those statements. Yet i KNOW they’re true because You & Your Guests are living proof. Watch me keep on searching ’til i find my own, then share it so there’ll be a little less suffering in the world, domino style.

    But for now i shall just smile, for it feels right…And its cheaper than chocolate cake ; )

    • http://doctorpsychobabble.com Dr. Psychobabble

      and you are the REASON that i know i must keep chugging, rocking, writing, and knocking down those dominoes.

      i LOVE giving those dominoes a good smack ‘n the head and watching them fall. brings me the greatest of pleasures!

      ludicrous goals are the BEST ones to have! why should one not strive to change the world? not doing so, maintains the planet as such a boring place.

      the planet and universe are lucky to have YOU!

      and agree with your insight about the ants. :)

      -dr. k

  • JoNPiNoY

    Hey Kendra, long time no see. ^^

    Anyway, I know what you mean. Even though we see some of our problems in our patients we have this weird feeling that we are supposed to be in a way “superior” to them and should have all the answers. But we know that is not always the case. No matter what training we may have had in the past, it’s important to know that we’re always learning, and sometimes our patients will be a part of that learning process. The good thing about you is that you always do your best to have a smile on your face even when sometimes you’re faced with situations like these.

    And yes interactions with all patients become much more important once you see them on an ongoing basis. I’m starting to realize that now also.

    But hey I’m a veterinarian. What do I know? :P

    • http://doctorpsychobabble.com Dr. Psychobabble

      so good to hear from you again! and you hit the nail on the hammer, as i like to say!

      and vets will always know more than human docs. ;)