i ' m not pretending at all . But you also need to set barriers in your life . God forbid you sleep <| sep |> Oh my god , Karen , you can ' t just ask people why they ' re white ! <| sep |> I agree with your assessment of the type of person who ends up in psych . They are often mediocre people . One of the most awkward people I know ended up with a psych MS , although to the program ' s credit one of the faculty told her to her shock that counseling was not for her . However , talking to people does help . Most people don ' t want to actually listen to your problems , but therapists taking your money are obliged to do so . When you see people with the same problems over and over , you can get an idea of what works and what doesn ' t . Young therapists might not have much in mind when they encounter new and irrational problems , but most assuredly they can help a lot of people . Most laymen I know would tell you that you need religion to solve all your problems , or some other nonsense . I ' ve been talking to laymen and laywomen about my problems for years . I strongly recommend not doing that . not only will they think you ' re bitter and negative and not want to talk to you , but they very rarely come out with any advice of value .