Individual Financial Therapy

“I am Wealthy but Guilty”

I began therapy due to a deep depression I was struggling with. In therapy, we discovered that I didn’t feel worthy. I felt guilty about many things, especially about spending money. My therapist helped me understand that the root of my behavior was guilt. I had internalized this guilt and allowed it to permeate every aspect of my life, preventing me from enjoying life. While I am not completely healed, I am now able to separate my emotions from my behaviors. I never imagined that my depression could be linked to a simple financial lesson repeated by my aunt.

My father had to live in another country because of his job. Every time he came back home, my aunt would point to my dad’s gray hair and say, “Look! Your dad is getting old because of your expenses. If you spent less, he wouldn’t have to work so hard.” Perhaps she was trying to teach me to be mindful about spending, but I was just a kid. I felt an overwhelming sense of guilt. Even now, I still feel guilty using my dad’s money.

Throughout my life, I suffered every time I spent money. I remember my parents showing me shiny, beautiful shoes at the store, but I chose the simple, unattractive ones. I was trying to delay my dad’s aging. As I grew older, I completely forgot about this story. However, the impact remains. 

Thanks to therapy, I am now on a path to healing, learning to separate guilt from my financial decisions, and reclaiming the joy in my life.