Embracing difference with curiosity

Last year, the Guardian released an article about Aphantasia, and, at the time, it got me thinking about invisible and unknown difference. The article was a perfect representation of the way my mind works differently from others, but of which I was completely unaware until a few years ago. It could not more accurately describe how I experience the world and it’s been a regular topic of conversation with friends, family and colleagues since, as I’ve been fascinated to understand and explore our differences. It also prompted me to reflect on my work and how important it is that I’m mindful of how my clients navigate the world. The work I do means that, to be the best therapist and, soon-to-be, Counselling Psychologist, I need to have an appreciation for the difference, diversity and unique nature of the human experience. Even if a client doesn’t necessarily recognise or even know that they experience the world differently. Helping and treating people as part of a therapeutic relationship requires me to see and explore difference, in all its forms, to consider how it manifests in you, my clients, to actively acknowledge it, work with it and tailor my approach and the psychological therapy I provide to suit your needs.

Whatever career we find ourselves in, we need to be aware of, and hold in mind, that those we interact with may see and experience the world very differently from us, whether overtly and visibly or not. Maybe the most important qualities we can have are a willingness to explore differences, curiosity to ask questions and learn about those around us and an acceptance that diversity, divergence and difference exist and can make our lives more meaningful. In doing so, perhaps we allow ourselves to build greater compassion, respect and empathy for difference, in a world that feels more and more divided.