The pressing issue of "living expenses." Why I, a former clinical psychologist, became a labor and social security attorney
Hello.
In my previous article on disability pensions (https://note.com/match11/n/nf960a7d8818f?sub_rt=share_sb), I discussed the basic mechanism of how "disability pensions are essentially a national insurance system to save the working generation during a crisis."
This time, in relation to disability pensions, please let me share a bit of my own personal story. Before becoming a labor and social security attorney, I had a long career as a clinical psychologist, providing psychological support centered on counseling for people with mental illnesses and developmental disabilities.
Why did I, a mental health professional (counselor), go out of my way to obtain a legal qualification to do this work (supporting disability pension applications)?
Behind it was a certain pressing reality I faced in the counseling field.
The "limit of mental care" I faced as a clinical psychologist
As a clinical psychologist, I have provided counseling to many people suffering from depression, adjustment disorders, and more. Listening carefully to their stories and being there for their wounded hearts—that was a very important and rewarding job.
However, through many dialogues with various people, I realized there was an "overwhelming shadow that cannot be removed by mental care alone."
That was the "financial anxiety" caused by being unable to work.
"My injury and sickness allowance is about to run out."
"I am terrified of seeing my savings balance decrease every month."
"What should I do about next month's living expenses..."
There are many benefits to counseling, such as deepening self-awareness and feeling lighter by talking things through.
However, it is an unavoidable fact that the reality of "financial anxiety" will strike. Seeing people return to sleepless nights because of money worries time and time again made me realize that supporting their actual lives is also crucial.
Because I, too, know the fear of "having no money"
The truth is, I did not grow up in a wealthy family myself.
I graduated from a public high school in my home prefecture of Nagano and managed to attend university and graduate school by taking out loans from the Japan Student Services Organization. (I am still repaying 45,000 yen a month for those loans.)
"Will I be able to properly repay this large debt after I graduate...?" Even as a young person, I spent my time constantly carrying that anxiety about the future.
The feeling of being on edge about monthly living expenses and the reality of "having no money"—I know how much that wears down a person's heart and strips away their peace of mind.
That is something I have felt very deeply myself.
That is precisely why, when a client would quietly leak, "I'm scared that my savings are disappearing," I began to think there might be more I could do.
I know from my own experience that if the foundation of your life is shaky, your heart can never truly rest.
If that's the case, instead of just listening, I should help build an "economic foundation" where they can rest with peace of mind. Isn't that what this person needs most right now?
Because I felt that so keenly, I decided to obtain a labor and social security attorney qualification and walk this path to deliver the legal weapon that supports real life—the "disability pension."
What I can do for you because I am a "clinical psychologist"
There are many consultation services and specialists in the world.
However, some may feel bureaucratic or cold, or you may feel that they do not fully understand 'the hardships you have faced so far.'
As a clinical psychologist, I can understand and support you better than anyone else regarding the difficulties caused by illness, the anxiety that cannot be put into words, and the frustration of not being able to convey your condition well to your attending physician.
First, listening carefully to your painful feelings (mental care)
And then, turning that into the correct documentation to connect you to disability pension (livelihood care)
I will proceed with both of these simultaneously, standing by your side as your ally.
Please feel free to consult with me.
'Can I receive a disability pension in my condition?'
'I don't know where to start talking.'
Even if you are at that stage, it is absolutely no problem.
As a clinical psychologist, I will first listen to your story in detail.
Please feel free to consult with me with peace of mind.
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Click here for the consultation form
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