A gentle smile, a listening ear and
supporting words can do wonders. It works with everyone, even strangers. They
were strangers to me and me to them. Months passed, and now they wait for me,
though a handful of them, but yes, they do. It feels accepted when they ask
when I am coming next. It gives a sense of achievement when they say “ Didi,
aap se baat karke dil halka ho jaata hai.”
“Aap jaisa humko samajhte ho doosre nahi samajhte, hum aapse sab kuchh share kar sakte hain.”
“Aap jaisa humko samajhte ho doosre nahi samajhte, hum aapse sab kuchh share kar sakte hain.”
That’s the power of unconditional love
and acceptance. A practice, though tough, eventually shows remarkable changes
in people’s perception and behavior. The ideal of therapy is not just to help a
person grow, but to maximize their potential, while providing them the
necessary conditions for growth.
As a therapist and as a guide, I’ve come
to the frightening conclusion that I can either be a tool of inspiration and
growth, or a model of self pity and doubt. I can either, hurt or heal,
facilitate the resolution of crisis or create one. I can either leave a person
humanized or dehumanized. So spread love and learn to accept a person as they
are, in their truest form. Trust them, respect them, support and guide them,
and verily they will trust you and respect you back.
{Sharing my experience working with one of OYA's project - Project street children.}
- Shazia Khan
Counselling Psychologist
OYA!
