Meeting The Interior Designer
I worked as a psychologist and counselor for a year when my middle sister asked if I could pencil in her interior designer colleague in my schedule that particular week. She explained that the woman was their firm’s fantastic professional interior designer, but insecurities drove her actions outside the workplace. While they were not close, my sister leaped in faith and offered her a helping hand.
Of course, how could you say no to your favorite sister? Even if my schedule was complete, I made sure to make time for her colleague the very next day.
My sister’s colleague arrived on time at my office, looking elegant and fashionable. Upon a quick scan of her, I noticed that she was excellent at hiding her real emotions with her smile and poise. However, her eyes betrayed her as she kept blinking and looking around.
It Couldn’t Be For Everyone
According to an expert, the professional’s primary dilemma was that her friends kept wanting to do things she was uncomfortable with. One time, they asked her to go to a strip club and get lap dances. The other time, they invited her to a nudist beach, even if they knew she was not the type to show too much skin in public. She is worried that her friends might ask her to do something more extreme in the future.
The simple advice was to say no. “No, I’m not into that.” “No, I don’t want to do and focus on that.” In my client’s case, though, she could not bear to think of disappointing her friends.
Instead, I told my client, “Have you ever thought of separating yourself from your current friends and finding new ones? If you don’t know it yet, the phrase “opposites attract” often applies to lovers. When you have friends, your likes and dislikes should be the same to avoid conflicts.”
The Problem?
“I don’t understand,” the professional said.
“For example, think of your friends like bold home decorations. I’m sure you know where to get or create the most frivolous ideas and techniques out there, but you cannot recommend them to all your clients because each has its own specific needs. Similarly, extremely bold friends – like the ones you have – are not for everyone. It’s practically a fact of life that you must accept.”
Subdued Indoor Colors Are Not Boring
My client also worries about seeing undesirable or bland designs in other people’s eyes. She uttered, “I already have a tough time looking for love as it is. With my crazy friends on the side, they can at least make me look cool.”
The lack of self-confidence was evident in her choice of words, which became an important element. It could be surprising, especially if you saw my client’s elegance, but it was more common than you assumed among beautiful individuals. Although they knew they looked good, they could not believe they could be enough.
So, I reminded my client, “I know you know, based on design experience, that subdued colors are not an awful wall color in a house. More often than not, they make a therapist’s office room or office space look lovely and lively. Please try not to think that people will only pay attention to you because of your friends.”
Designing Could Be Amazing
Last but not least, my client told me that she always had issues with letting go of people, even if she knew how toxic they could be. The professional assumed that it was likely because she did not grow up knowing what it’s like to be loved by her family, so she would cling to anyone who would show her affection.
It was unfortunate to hear, but I likened the situation to her favorite topic: minimalism. “Whenever you talk to your customers, you tend to advise them and give tips to throw away as many possessions or furniture as possible or donate them to others. This way, you can have a less stressful life than others,” I said.
When the professional nodded, I added, “Well, please think of emotional detachment using the same principle. Having fewer people in your life can most likely make your relationships more significant than ever. After all, you will only allow yourself to get close to individuals who want nothing but greatness for you.”
Conclusion: Designer’s Counseling
Talking to an adult client dealing with anxiety and dependency issues was more challenging than helping a child overcome them. As my new client was full-grown, her idea that her current friends were the only people who cared for her and that she wouldn’t matter without them had been deeply ingrained in her mind. I had to keep her in counseling control for a few months because she kept going back and forth, unsure of her functions and feelings, and confused about her balance as she did not know what she should do, although she was aware of what must be done.
Nevertheless, the client made a concrete decision once her friends tried to make her do something illegal. She reached her breaking point, turned her back on them, and never looked back.
My client did not take long to find real friends at her workplace. The last time we talked, she said she could not be happier about agreeing to therapy since it pushed her to see a solution to her problems and achieve great results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need psychology for interior design expertise?
While psychology is not a strict requirement for interior design, interior design counseling can be beneficial. Understanding the psychological aspects of design, such as how colors and layouts can affect mood and behavior, can enhance a designer’s expertise.
What are the cons of being a professional designer?
Some potential drawbacks of being a professional designer include dealing with demanding clients, tight deadlines, creative burnout, and competition in the industry.
Is the design business stressful?
Like many professions, the design business can be stressful, especially when facing tight deadlines, challenging clients, or balancing multiple projects.
Treating a professional designer through therapy treatment, particularly with the expertise of a design psychologist, can be a transformative experience. In the realm of environmental psychology, it becomes evident that the spaces we inhabit have a profound impact on our well-being. Through case studies, it has been observed that designers often face unique challenges in balancing their creative passions with the demands of their profession. Just as couples and families seek couples therapy to strengthen their relationships, designers can benefit from a specialized form of therapy. Design psychologists help professionals create a space within themselves to explore their creative struggles, fears, and aspirations. This therapeutic process allows designers to feel safe, fostering personal growth and enhancing their ability to create environments that positively influence the well-being of others.
Are professional designers happy?
The level of happiness among professional designers can vary widely. It depends on individual factors, such as job satisfaction, work-life balance, and personal fulfillment in their career.
What are the three stages of counseling?
Counseling typically involves three main stages: the initial assessment and rapport-building stage, the goal-setting and intervention stage, and the termination or closure stage.
What is the five counseling process?
The counseling process often includes these five stages: rapport building, assessment, goal setting, intervention, and termination or follow-up.
What are the six stages of the counseling process?
The six stages of the counseling process may include establishing rapport, assessment, goal setting, intervention, evaluation, and termination or closure.
What are the weaknesses of a professional designer?
Weaknesses of a professional designer can include subjective design preferences, difficulty managing client expectations, creative blocks, and the need for continuous learning to keep up with industry trends.
What is the psychology behind the profession?
The psychology behind design involves understanding how design choices influence human behavior, emotions, and perceptions. Designers often use principles of psychology to create aesthetically pleasing and functional spaces.
Do designers work alone?
Interior designers can work alone, but they also frequently collaborate with clients, architects, contractors, and other professionals in the design and construction industry.
What questions do designers ask clients?
Designers typically ask clients about their preferences, budget, lifestyle, and functional requirements. Questions can include inquiries about style preferences, color choices, and specific needs.
What do you say in a professional design consultation?
In a professional design consultation, you might discuss the client’s goals, expectations, budget, and timeline. It’s also an opportunity to introduce yourself, your design approach, and the services you offer.
How do designers convince clients?
Designers convince clients by demonstrating their expertise, presenting compelling design concepts, addressing client concerns, and building a trusting and collaborative relationship.
What inspires designers?
Designers can draw inspiration from various sources, including nature, art, travel, architecture, fashion, and cultural trends. Inspiration often comes from experiences and the world around them.
What is the main purpose of interior design?
The main purpose of interior design is to create functional, aesthetically pleasing, and comfortable spaces that meet the needs and preferences of the occupants while adhering to design principles and industry standards.