When I was a young and idealistic Psychologist-to-be, I wrote a dissertation proposal to conduct a qualitative study about the factors that create personal transformation in psychotherapy. It seemed that there were situations that were ripe for quick change and change that was slow and winding.
To know how and why people change is important in treatment, since it can inform the provider’s approach. My Dissertation Chair ultimately refused my proposal, because it would have been an arduous study.
However, the volumes of books and articles that I read on the subject of transformation were imbedded in my mind. Rapid change seemed to occur most frequently in times of great challenge, particularly life-threatening challenge. All of the pretenses of life fade away. Your deepest values rise to the top of the swirling rapids of change.
With the threat of COVID, people may be realizing their potential, assessing what matters most to them, and accomplishing tasks they have been avoiding. Now is when real transformation can happen not just on a personal level, but on a political and societal level.
All of the things that we have wanted to advocate for and have felt frightened to stand up to differing opinions, we have the impetus to bring to the surface. Keep making your voice heard, stand up for what is most important for all of us in this society.
For me, it is important that no one else dies from lack of medical care, dies from suicide due to lack of funding for mental health care, or dies from substance use, due to lack of funding for substance use health care. Emotional health is part of healthcare and physical health is essential for emotional health.
