Preparing to Meet My Existential Idol, Dr. Irvin Yalom
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Today, I will meet my therapeutic hero. A master therapist who is undoubtedly primarily responsible for my working so deeply and so passionately with my beloved clients. My Existential idol who gave me permission to enter into the beauty and the tragic so genuinely alongside my clients, an intensely meaningful and life-changing event for those who have privileged me with the vulnerable healing process of their hopeful Souls, but also for my Soul, as an honored co-journeyer in what has arguably become one of the most profound processes of my life ~ my role as an Existential psychologist and writer of the beautiful, poignant moments within the therapeutic process.
In what has become one of the many unexpected joys of being the significant other of Dr. Jeffrey Zeig, I will be preparing this morning a loved-filled family traditional dish, chicken adobo, which we will be bringing to a friendly informal lunch with Dr. Irvin Yalom. The revered psychiatrist and prolific author who well over 40 years ago sparked an indelible light within my psychological Spirit that said, “You can not only learn about theories that help psychopathology, you can use your Self; your heart, your experiences, your wounded and healed Soul as one of the most tender, albeit powerful, ways to help others.
Others who need at the very core, to repair life-long relational and attachment wounds caused by others, within a healthy and effective therapeutic relationship.
Thank you, Dr. Irvin Yalom, for not only helping to shape this young ~ and now mature ~ psychologist’s therapeutic heart, but for all the subsequent therapeutic Souls that in turn have been influenced by my teachings, so profoundly influenced by you, who will go on to influence others, for indefinite generations to come.
Yours has been a most profound and purpose-full life.
With abundant love,
Dr. Julie
