What sets a good psychologist apart from a bad one? In reality, this question is highly subjective and open to endless debate. However, it’s safe to say that the absolute best psychologist is the one you visit just once — only to walk away completely forgetting you ever had any problems in the first place.
AdmiGram.com shares a story about a brilliant psychologist who, in practically just one session, managed to help everyone who came to him with chronic irritability. One can only admire the convincing wisdom that restored their peace of mind.
The Brilliant Trick of the Psychologist Who Calmed Irritability
© Owen Wassell / Unsplash
Typically, the doctor’s appointments began with endless complaints. Patients would vent about how exhausted they were, and how much their work, colleagues, neighbors, children, or spouses irritated them. They felt that everything was terrible and that there was simply no place left in this world where they could be alone and find peace.
The doctor always agreed with them completely. He would say it would be amazing if each of us had a private cabin in the woods where we could rest in total silence, even if just on weekends. The patient would nod enthusiastically, thinking it sounded darn great. They expected the doctor to develop this wonderful idea further.
However, despite sounding like a perfect alternative, having a cabin in the woods wasn’t a straightforward solution either. The doctor would point out the creaking floorboards, the lack of familiar urban comforts, and other drawbacks. The patient would agree, shifting the focus to simply enjoying the tranquility of the forest instead. But even that wasn’t without issues. What about all those mosquitoes, gnats, and the constant chirping of birds? True silence and serenity seemed impossible.
The doctor then suggested a solitary, desolate cave — but noted that the relentless sound of dripping water could drive anyone mad, not to mention how cold, damp, and uncomfortable a dark cave really is. He would then ask the patient: “What would you be thinking about at that exact moment?”
Without exception, they all admitted they would wish to be somewhere cozier, brighter, and warmer.
The doctor would slyly ask: “Would it be nice to have a soft, comfortable couch in that place? A television playing your favorite shows? And maybe a couple of cans of beer in the fridge?”
At that point, every single patient would burst into laughter, instantly realizing what the doctor was implying. Home, sweet home!
The Moral: Inner peace doesn’t depend on external circumstances. It’s all within us — both the problems and the solutions. Understanding this single truth makes life incredibly easier and frees us from most of our daily struggles. Once you grasp this, you stop looking for culprits and begin to live in harmony with the most important person in your life — yourself.
image on top: Надя Кисільова / Unsplash
