a different world

Years and years ago I had a startling conversation with my sister’s fiance on the nature of psychology. Her then-fiance was studying linguistics at the graduate level and as part of his induction needed to take several psychology courses, of which were a first for him. One of his professors (perhaps several, I can’t remember) posited his notion to the class that in a better world, and as a future goal, there would be no need for psychologists if people were trained to simply listen and speak to one another on a more authentic level. Frankly, I was appalled by what he was saying as I was in therapy myself at the time and could not imagine telling anyone, save my therapist, my secrets and fears. To this day I still cannot imagine this (although I am no longer in therapy). This saddens and intrigues me. Was this professor overly idealistic? Is it possible to attain such a society wherein trust, mutual understanding, and discretion are commonplace – especially within the capitalistic context? I wonder if we are any closer to that ideal today and if not, how we can get there. How do we build community and, even more, deeper friendships? -- Anonymous