Jonathan Ames, Ph.D. Providing Personal Support
Life and Times
(Just brimming with sanity…) I grew up during the era of the values parodied (?) by “Mad Men” and “All In The Family”, entrenched in "Dress for Success", consumerism and the Playboy Philosophy. These legacies are still with us, even now resurgent in the USA, cautioning the clinician to consider the cultural implications of such difficulties as anorexia: e.g., sometimes a ‘hunger strike’ against 'sugar and spice', and the prospect of a life where 'success' seems to be about becoming an inanimate, unfeeling, subservient object. The point is that most, if not all, of what we might label 'individual psychopathology' has roots in reactions to social attitudes and assumptions which no longer serve our human needs. In other words, it ain't just us...
Meantime, here we are, in a world that begs for a view of national boundaries commensurate with the drastically-changing climate, the ongoing threat of Pandemics, and of course, re-emerging war and threat of nuclear annihilation. Meanwhile, our survival as a species depends on recognizing nature as the all-embracing matrix of our existence, rather than as a collection or bounty of elements to be extracted and exploited.
-- and you're a bit nervous?
Until not long ago, sexual preferences and orientation were considered as a chronic illness – or ‘deviance’ -- if not exclusively heterosexual. However, what makes people ill is the suppression of their identities, not their diversity, variation or expression. I believe we live in an age whose definitive characteristic is gender liberation and release from archaic, stereotypical constraints that lead to bullying, despair and violence. As a Caucasian male clinician (albeit now a senior citizen), I understand that I grew up with an unfair sense of privilege, in an inherently racist and sexist culture -- a developmental condition from which I struggle to emerge, as we head toward a society where diversity transforms from a fond wish to a recognition of the natural state of things.
Often my clients provide me with significant assistance with such transformation -- again, there are always two people in the room, neither with all the answers.
Meantime, here we are, in a world that begs for a view of national boundaries commensurate with the drastically-changing climate, the ongoing threat of Pandemics, and of course, re-emerging war and threat of nuclear annihilation. Meanwhile, our survival as a species depends on recognizing nature as the all-embracing matrix of our existence, rather than as a collection or bounty of elements to be extracted and exploited.
-- and you're a bit nervous?
Until not long ago, sexual preferences and orientation were considered as a chronic illness – or ‘deviance’ -- if not exclusively heterosexual. However, what makes people ill is the suppression of their identities, not their diversity, variation or expression. I believe we live in an age whose definitive characteristic is gender liberation and release from archaic, stereotypical constraints that lead to bullying, despair and violence. As a Caucasian male clinician (albeit now a senior citizen), I understand that I grew up with an unfair sense of privilege, in an inherently racist and sexist culture -- a developmental condition from which I struggle to emerge, as we head toward a society where diversity transforms from a fond wish to a recognition of the natural state of things.
Often my clients provide me with significant assistance with such transformation -- again, there are always two people in the room, neither with all the answers.
I think that ALL people are equipped to live meaningful lives, no matter how or where they might find themselves. So perhaps a helpful question which a therapist can raise is "what now?" (remaining present for the answer). The success of psychotherapeutic work involves our answering in a way that increases courage, clarity and satisfaction.
We don't reject or avoid the significance of past events -- they teach us. Still, our continual focus is on determining and realizing what you most value -- and guiding you there.
Ethically, I accept principles upon which major psychological organizations concur. Such principles include informed consent for services; avoidance of dual, outside relationships; strict maintenance of confidentiality; and related principles and boundaries necessary for safety.
We don't reject or avoid the significance of past events -- they teach us. Still, our continual focus is on determining and realizing what you most value -- and guiding you there.
Ethically, I accept principles upon which major psychological organizations concur. Such principles include informed consent for services; avoidance of dual, outside relationships; strict maintenance of confidentiality; and related principles and boundaries necessary for safety.
