Even Counsellors break
Almost all my life, I have wondered why people find it easy to open up to me. I noticed this uncanny trend in senior secondary school when I served as resident therapist for my colleagues. I find it hard to remember what a band of high schoolers needed help figuring out, but apparently, we did.
I remember my vice principal speaking with my mum about my newfound hobby and how it was affecting my academic performance.
“Does he want to be a counselor, or he wants to go to school?” she inquired as my mum stared at me, probably wondering how to explain to my father that their son had left Phy-Chem-Bio to mend broken teenagers.
Anyways, over a decade after packing up my informal practice, I still notice how people gravitate to me for relationship, professional and personal counsel. I mean the most unexpected persons divulging deeply personal experiences, thoughts, and fears. Maybe I developed an uncanny patience for listening to people, or I’m just so intrigued with human stories that I can’t get enough.
Whatever it is, it works.
In recent times, what most people don’t know is that when they ‘book a session’ with the genius, I always have four things.
A chair, a table, a pen, and paper.
A chair and table because it puts me in a posture to focus squarely. A pen and paper because it helps me map out the trajectory of their thoughts.
I found that mapping thoughts and emotions help one have a clearer view of the issues and makes identifying the actual problem easier. More often than not, if you let people talk long enough, they will identify the problems and come up with solutions — by themselves.
My job is to give you the cathartic experience of having someone to vent to.
Mapping emotions is not reserved for only ‘clients.’ Emotional mapping is how I personally crystalize, tackle, and overcome turbulent times. For sure, I have a handful of people I go to counsel, but sometimes there are battles you need to fight yourself and dragons you need to slay personally. Then you go back to your confidants for first aid.
Over the last few months, I have battled and slain a few new dragons, and I’m ready to share my therapy with you. This short project is a collection of fictional characters, locations, and experiences laden with real emotions. I know that some people may not care, but to the few that do… see you in a couple of days.
By Association.
Tobbi The Genius
*Click here to read the complete collection*
