Humble Beginnings
In the beginning, Plus Psychotherapy was nameless and formless. It was an idea, swimming in an imaginary realm, something to look forward to in the future, something to procrastinate about in the present. I held a stable job in a big organization, with great benefits, and a steady income that was adjusted for inflation every year. I was part of an inspirational team, surrounded by thoughtful and seasoned clinicians that generously shared their expertise, supported me, and challenged me to grow.
And then came that novel virus that swept the world and forever transformed life as we knew it.
As time unfolded, I found myself grappling with seismic changes in all areas of my life. The way people interacted changed. The way I provided services changed. Organizational policies changed. My team changed. Expectations changed. My place of residence changed. Friendships changed. Travelling changed. And I responded by complaining. I complained for an entire year, about everything, becoming increasingly miserable and despondent. One of the first things that my first supervisor taught me is this: “if people are complaining, they’re not ready to change” (KM). I was fighting against the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic by actively resisting it, while doing absolutely nothing to make my circumstances better.
Finally, in March 2021, I hit rock bottom, and cried out to God for MORE. It was a simple and desperate prayer, a moment of utter surrender. After complaining for 1 year, I reached the point where I could no longer stay the same. I had the option to stay stuck at the bottom of the pit, or I could look up, and discern how to uncover a new way of joining this changed world. And that’s how Plus Psychotherapy ceased to be a potentially nice future option, and became an active path forward, a small company, alive with hope. Plus Psychotherapy set out to serve those who are struggling, who realize that things can no longer stay as they are, and to invite them into a life that can be so much more!
3 years after those early days, Plus Psychotherapy continues to embrace the vision of providing a safe space for honest exploration, deep understanding, and radical acceptance of ourselves, as well as our circumstances. Plus Psychotherapy continues to be in pursuit of character-building experiences, of stepping into newness, even with fear and trembling. This first blog post is just that: one more small start, hoping that it inspires you to look within, look around, look up, and do the same.
So, once again, let us begin.
