PANDORA & HOPE
In my work, I am reminded of the Greek myth of Pandora. In her story, Pandora was the first mortal woman molded of earth by Zeus’ son, and she was bestowed multiple gifts by the gods and goddesses. On her wedding night, Pandora was given a container by Zeus and instructed not to open it. But curiosity got the best of her—defying Zeus, Pandora opened the container. Pain, doubt, guilt, shame, resentment, envy - all those heavy feelings we carry around with us daily - flew out of the container and into the world. In a version of the Pandora myth, Pandora was able to replace the lid to the container before one last redeeming factor had not flown out: Hope.
Despite all the weight of some of the more challenging facets that come from “Pandora’s box,” I believe that my therapeutic approach encourages my clients to reconnect with Hope, to have empathy with themselves and others, and to express gratitude for the resources they already possess with which to cope.
