An Old and Happy Client
Dear Old and Happy Client,
Thank you for your beautiful and heartfelt letter! I often meet old clients and receive nachas reports, but no one has ever written me a letter like this.
Honestly, being a therapist now is much more challenging than it was years ago. I am so happy that you and your husband have worked hard to make your marriage last and beautiful, and I feel honored that I was a part of that process! You cannot imagine how special it is for me to hear about the beautiful family you and your husband have created.
This generation is different; the world seems to have painted a fairytale view of marriage. Couples think that you “fall in love and live happily ever after.” However, the reality is that marriage is difficult and takes work, but like anything else, the hard work often pays off!
My couples in their 20’s seem to easily mention “divorce,” and many do not seem to understand that there will be challenges they will need to overcome. I do not want to stereotype as I still get cases where couples want to save their marriages.
What pains me most about your letter is that a previous therapist told you and your husband to get divorced. Unfortunately, this is not the first time I have heard this happen. Many couples I see tell me that they have seen other therapists who have told them to get divorced after one session.
It is hard to be married, but it is even harder to be divorced. I am not saying every marriage can be saved. However, I do not understand therapists who quickly jump to divorce. My determination has not changed and clients who want to get divorced usually leave me and find another therapist, who will help them do so. I personally feel it is my role to do my best to save every couple’s marriage (unless there is a severe situation that is untreatable).
Thank you again. It is not always easy to be a therapist, but you gave me a tremendous amount of chizuk. I hope people read your letter and learn that it is possible to change if you put the hard work into it! You certainly have reaped the rewards. I wish you continued hatzlocha in your marriage and with your family!