2025 is proving for some to be a difficult period in which to embark on therapy. Find inner peace when we regularly witness horrors taking place all over the world. It can feel selfish or entitled. Not worth it when the world is on fire. The western interpretations of therapy have their limits here. Individual personal development can only help up to a point. It was created by people of privilege and doesn’t address global issues. Being aware of this and witnessing such suffering can stop us even seeking help in the first place. How can I ask for self actualisation when there’s ongoing genocides and the rise of fascism?

It can be uncomfortable to recognise that being in the position in which you are able to seek therapy is a position of privilege not generally available to those living in acute crisis. Comparative suffering can stop many socially conscious people from seeking the help they need, choosing instead to sit in guilt and unhappiness. But you don't need to create suffering for yourself. This is counterproductive when you could instead support yourself to make the most of this privilege by living, and in turn being more available to support others.

Self care and community combined

I work with several activist clients and while self care is a vital tool for them in offering what they can to the causes they so strongly believe in, this does not exist in a vacuum and the other vital tool which must exist alongside self care is community. Fascism seeks to divide and other and strong community is an antidote to that. Finding and connecting with your people, and supporting each other is a force which can sustain and create the stamina and resources needed to fight for the most marginalised groups in society.