I wanted to add something personal when naming this psychology service, so my love of ancient Greek literature and philosophy had to be incorporated. The name ‘Odyssey Psychology’ represents and combines several key elements of my personal life, values, and views of psychology and human nature.
The word ‘odyssey’ comes from the title of an ancient 8th century BCE Greek epic poem, The Odyssey, which tells the story of the hero Odysseus and his 10-year journey home after the Trojan War. Today, we use the word odyssey to mean something like a long and difficult journey including hardships, unexpected challenges, and setbacks but resulting in the development of knowledge and spiritual/psychological/moral growth.
An odyssey has a purpose and is goal directed, even if the goal is to find one’s purpose. An odyssey demonstrates the strength of human spirit and the ability to push through the greatest adversity for an ideal or value beyond oneself. This idea is summarised in the famous quote by the philosopher, Friedrich Nietzsche (later popularised by the psychiatrist, Viktor Frankel) – “those who have a why to live for can bear almost any how”. In other words, purpose builds resilience. An odyssey also gives meaning to suffering and hardship, which some view as being a requirement for human flourishing (e.g., development of personality, character, morality, and purpose). This view is reflected in another quote by Nietzsche, from the book Beyond Good and Evil, stating that:
“The discipline of suffering, of great suffering - don't you realize that up to this point it is only this suffering which has created every enhancement in man up to now? That tension of a soul in misery which develops its strength, its trembling when confronted with great destruction, its inventiveness and courage in bearing, holding out against, interpreting, and using unhappiness, conferred upon it by way of profundity, secrecy, masks, spirit, cunning, and greatness - has that not been given to it through suffering, through the discipline of great suffering”
The psychologist, Gordon Allport, also echoes this when he said, “to live is to suffer, to survive is to find meaning in the suffering”. Hardship and suffering can lead to a richer appreciation of life and have been the catalyst for great achievements and extraordinary and beautiful art.
On a more personal note, The Odyssey also overlaps with my personal journey in becoming a psychologist. Coincidentally, a 10-year journey through tertiary education (having also completed an undergraduate degree in nutrition) beginning with the physical journey of moving from New South Wales to the Sunshine Coast. Finally, as The Odyssey was mostly a journey via the sea, the name has a connection with the beautiful Sunshine Coast, the location where Odyssey Psychology was born.
The Odyssey is a metaphor for the journey that we all take through life. A journey full of uncertainty and adversities, which are often outside of our control. But also, a journey with the potential for joy, love, and self-actualisation. Odysseus overcame his obstacles (e.g., including wrathful gods, chaotic storms, giant man-eating cyclopes, and a lustful witch, to name a few) by having a strong commitment to his goal of returning home to his wife and child (i.e., his why), perseverance, hope, and the help from others.
Sometimes the obstacles we face become too much to manage alone. We may be thrown off course and lose direction and meaning in our lives or we may feel trapped, like we have no control. We may also feel overwhelmed by the magnitude or complexity of our problems and lack the knowledge or skills to deal with them. The purpose of Odyssey Psychology is to respect everyone’s individual journey and to be the helping hand and support for those whose challenges become too difficult or complex to manage alone. Odyssey Psychology hopes to guide you through your hardships, to assist you in developing a better understanding and appreciation of yourself, to help you identify and value your strengths, and encourage you to take control of your life and become the author of your own odyssey.
Sincerely,
Tyrone
2 Responses
I love this Tyrone. You wrote this so beautifully. The idea that life is filled with difficulty and that overcoming them brings personal growth in our journey through life makes the challenges seem worth it. I’ve never thought of it this way. What a positive way to think about our struggles. I’ll be sharing this with my friends and family! Thank you.
Thank you for your kind words, Marietta. I am pleased to hear that it connected with you.