The “unexpected rewards” of good therapy are often found in the ability to appreciate life’s simplest pleasures after navigating its complex emotional depths. This article highlights how profound therapeutic work unlocks a richer, more vibrant existence.
Initially, individuals often seek therapy for quick solutions and “life hacks.” However, the author, a psychotherapist and patient, reveals that true therapeutic work involves developing the capacity to tolerate formerly unbearable feelings, creating a vital space for agency, transforming relationships and self-respect.
While the self-help market offers numerous tools, they often fail to address the underlying anxieties and unconscious dynamics that truly prevent enjoying life. The article highlights the challenges of accessing good therapy due to cost and availability, before concluding with a surprisingly accessible and universally beneficial recommendation for immediate solace: watching Midnight Run.