Say yes to therapy
My mind works in mysterious ways and some of them, not so good. However, occasionally I do have brilliant ideas that just come to me from out of nowhere.
Here’s one light bulb that almost blinded me: Let’s combine self-help therapy and Warren County Animal Control and Adoption Center.
Each week, almost without fail, there are women on the docket who’ve gotten themselves into relationship-related trouble. Today, there’s one who’s been charged with harassment and another charged with domestic assault.
Personally, I hate seeing women on the docket. This is one area, ladies, where we need to not excel. While I’m an advocate for women’s rights, I’m perfectly okay with that one unbreachable barrier. Let the guys keep that glass ceiling.
I have long believed that psychology classes given from kindergarten through 12th grade would solve a lot of the world’s problems in a little over a decade. Psychology, the study of mind and behavior, provides an insight into how to process emotions and manage anxiety, depression, stress, trauma and yes, relationship issues. It improves communication skills and helps with personal growth.
For those who don’t want to study psychology and their years of compulsory school are behind them, there are psychologists to help them process their feelings. That’s voluntary and depending on where you go, expensive. Most people can’t afford it.
What those women and others like them need is a healthy way to vent their frustrations. While professionals suggest exercise, expressive writing (between psychology classes in college and all the writing I do, I’m the most laid-back person I know), mindfulness and social support, all of which I’m sure will help release pent-up emotions and improve well-being, I have another suggestion.
If you are feeling frustrated in your relationship or a past one and seeking an alternative to something that could land you in legal trouble, go out to Warren County Animal Control and Adoption Center, pick a male dog, give it your ex’s name and pay to have it neutered. That would be way cheaper than attorney fees, court costs, fines and monthly probation payments – not to mention the embarrassment of going through that process.
To be honest, this wasn’t a recent revelation for me. I was visiting animal control years ago and my Pet of the Week had my ex-boyfriend’s name by coincidence. That’s when a 1,000-watt bulb went off over my head. I had a strong urge to pay the neuter fee and thought to myself, “Now, that’s therapeutic.”
I did mention my idea to the director at the time, as a new program that could benefit the shelter and support the mental health of women across the county. She agreed but didn’t seem to think the community would respond well to the idea. She was probably right. This is out-of-the-box thinking and most people don’t feel comfortable with it. I agreed with her assessment and kept it under my hat all these years.
Today, apparently, I’m feeling slightly more brazen. Shoot your approving/disapproving emails to: lisa.hobbswcw@gmail.com. You can argue my methods, but not my results. My suggestion would, without a doubt, give an alternative outlet for women to vent. It would also provide the shelter with an additional revenue stream for neutering male dogs.
Now, we need to find a therapeutic option for men who are struggling with relationship-related issues. If I have a light bulb go off for that, I’ll let you know. My bestie, Kimberly, said that they could buy a really good purse that they know she’d love. Then, burn it.
This is an ongoing segment called Reporter Diaries and written by Lisa Hobbs. It is dedicated to my 21 years as a journalist.