I’m 19 and I’m an amateur therapist. How did it happen? Where are my certifications? I don’t have any. However, It is a full-time job. Who are my clients? As I’m sure you’ve already put together, my clients are my friends. My job consists of dropping everything to help a friend in need. I’m not talking about paying for a friend's meal or editing their essay for them. Though I do those things as well, my job as an amateur therapist is to listen to my friends struggles and offer some sort of constructive advice. I suppose I’m rather skilled at this job, at least, that's what I've been told.
Look, I have no issue assisting my friends with their problems. They are my friends for a reason; I enjoy their company and find something worthwhile in them. But there comes a point where it's just disgusting. I’m not going to dive into personal situations because one rule I always hold myself to is my ability to keep someone's secret. Yet, I'm sure you can imagine as we've all been in similar situations, it takes a toll on your energy and your mood when people bestow their issues upon you.
I actually enjoy giving constructive advice and helping my friends solve their troubles. But, shouldn't I get the same service in return? Yes, I should, stay that is rarely the case. Clients tend to be consumed by their own worries and very rarely ask, “How are you doing?” Or even in some situations, I’ll bring up something that's bothering me and they will just brush right over it and continue dumping their problems. It’s just disrespectful. Why would I want to be in such a one-sided friendship? Yet, it would be challenging to cut that friend off and I wouldn't want to. Sometimes that is just the nature of your friendship. Sure, it can be rather unfair, yet it's usually not enough for me to deny my services. It takes a lot to open up to someone and I appreciate my friends trust me enough to let me assist them.
To all those people who have those friends, whether it be a friend, sibling or a parent, make sure you let them know how much you appreciate their amateur therapist skills.
