“Awareness of the present without running into the past or future leads to psychological growth. Experiencing the present at any given moment is the only possible real experience, a condition for satisfaction and fullness of life, and consists in accepting this experience of the present with an open heart.” F. Perls Greetings again, friends! We have accumulated a lot of sad reviews from those who were unable to attend our introductory event. For you, dear interested parties, we have prepared this so-called post-release. I would like to briefly describe the most interesting moments of our meeting. We have also prepared a list of the most pressing questions that made our discussion so interesting and dynamic: how mentally healthy are psychologists themselves; how a psychologist can really help; how long does counseling last and how much does it cost; what a psychologist is paid for; how visiting a specialist differs from “ self-medication" with the help of friends and reading literature? So, first things first... There is a reasonable opinion that there is something wrong with psychologists, which is why they chose this profession. Absolutely right! But how can you trust such a professional who came into the industry to cure himself? Yes, very simple! Everyone has difficulties, and I can assure you that we work through our personal problems much longer and more intensely than others. First, the university years of studying theory, during which the process of self-knowledge occurs continuously: studying smart books is constantly supplemented by practical exercises, individual and in groups. Upon graduation, we necessarily undergo long-term personal therapy. Unfortunately, no one obliges you to do this, but professionals understand that they should not neglect to work through their own problems. We cannot take the client further than we have already gone ourselves. In addition, upon graduation, psychologists choose the approach within which they want to work and undergo lengthy practical courses. In addition to experience and skills, such training allows you to “organize your cockroaches” again. Also, we should not underestimate the role of supervision1, in which we regularly participate in group and individual form. Thus, the process of advanced training, which requires constant work on oneself, is continuous throughout at least one’s professional life. So you definitely don’t have to worry about the mental health of a psychologist. It is widely believed that those who have no one to talk to go to psychologists. “I have a husband, a lot of friends, an excellent relationship with my parents,” says one of my friends. “I have someone to cry to and consult if necessary.” But she's right. Crying is exactly where you want to go. If you decide to go to a psychologist, then be prepared to work on yourself, which is not always easy, where the specialist will only guide you on the path to solving the problem. The main means are leading questions, the use of various psychotherapeutic techniques and sometimes even homework! Of course, if you have a very strong desire to cry (please do not confuse it with “cry”), then you will be given such an opportunity. But for sure, the psychologist will not give you advice. Carl Gustav Jung also said about advice: “Good advice is a dubious medicine, but not particularly dangerous due to its low effectiveness.” Why is this happening? It's simple: anyone giving advice comes from their own personal experience. He advises what would suit him in a similar situation. But that was his life, not yours... It's like putting on someone else's shoes. No matter how high quality they are, they have already been “trodden down” exactly under the feet of their happy owner. And at best, they won’t seem so beautiful to the other owner, and at worst, they will rub their feet. A psychologist works with you individually, helping to resolve even the most serious problem. But this path is completely exclusive, and will not suit anyone but you! I can handle it