I’ve been called many things over the years, both personally and professionally. While some of these terms cannot be repeated here, here are a few I can share.
I’ve been called some of these names:
- Doctor Shrink
- A doctor to the crazies
- A mentalist
- A head examiner
- Doctor Freud
- Doctor Phil
- A Doctor Phil want-a-be
- A prober of the soul
- A reprogramer
- A waste of time
- A blessing
Some are flattering, some are not. Others terms can seem somewhat confusing, some mysterious, and a few outright insulting.
Depending on one’s perspective, experience, and understanding of the names, some terms can seem quite welcoming, and other words alarming or threatening.
My Favorite…Doctor Shrink
What is often taken as an insult by colleagues and the public is for me a fairly accurate term. It’s okay to call me a shrink. Let me explain why.
I like to believe counseling can help in these ways:
- Counseling helps “shrinks” the size of a problem down to smaller size.
- It “shrinks” the complexity, confusion, and “deer in headlights” feeling.
- A “shrink” can offer a calming presence and encouragement to a person.
- “Shrinks” provide manageable perspective as to what a problem or challenge is.
The Greatest Shrink of All Is God
I love to reflect on what Jesus did when He came down to earth. He shrank Himself into the form of a baby into Mary’s womb. Imagine the contrast He experienced. Transferring His infinite Being as the creator and King over this vast universe, He took the form of a human to fit into our lives!
Jesus became one with humanity so that he could help others. Many of the people he encountered were powerless, poor, or sick, and all had a limited ability to understand their purpose and destiny in life. Yet Jesus shrank Himself down to their (and our level) and shrank His arms down to our size to hug and help all of us.
He gave them (and us) hope in a world where everyone is powerless. Jesus offered to shrink things down to our level to help. Think of this as you read these few verses from the Bible:
[su_quote cite=”Mark 10:27 – NIV”]”With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.” [/su_quote]
Jesus also said,
[su_quote cite=”Luke 18:27 – NIV”]”What is impossible with men is possible with God.” [/su_quote]
[su_quote cite=”Mark 11:24-25 – NIV”]“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” [/su_quote]
[su_quote cite=”James 1:5-6- NIV”]“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” [/su_quote]
[su_quote cite=”John 10:10 – NKJV”]“I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” [/su_quote]
So you can call me Doctor “Shrink.” I won’t take offense. In fact, if you need help, I hope you will call and together we can “shrink” your questions, worries, and challenges into manageable ways to help.
Christian counselor Dr. Douglas Frey believes in Biblical principles and bringing forth God’s grace in meetings and sessions. Call or email Douglas Frey Ph.D. (952-920-2789). He is a licensed Christian counselor serving individuals and families in Eden Prairie and nearby Chanhassen, Chaska, Shakopee, Minneapolis, Minnetonka, Edina and other suburban Twin Cities West Metro communities.