Guy Oliver Speaks

At one time I thought psychotherapy was for the mentally ill.

That’s because it is.  At some point, though, I arrived at the conclusion that an equally useful purpose for the practice is a more prophylactic exercise: to keep yourself mentally sound in the first place.

I have a friend who has been in therapy quite literally since I’ve known her.  She began seeing her therapist in a two-fold program that was designed to help her deal with a bad marriage and to foment personal growth, emotional stability, and good mental health.  Now I’m out of the judgment business, but 15 years seems like a long time to be in therapy for personal growth.  15 years.  That’s a LOT of growth opportunity. Continue reading →

My wife, Heidi, is a very reasonable person—most of the time.

That’s why I married her.  After one of our rare “energetic conversations” better known as an argument to the rest of you, she asked me “Why are you married to me?”  I simply replied “You’re my moral compass.”  Perplexed she answered in return “What does that even mean?”  It’s rare when my wife asks a question in the throes of such an exchange, preferring instead to lean on rhetorical commentary such as “Well clearly we can’t have a discussion about this because my opinion doesn’t matter.” except, of course, that it does.  And that’s the point. Continue reading →