The Truth Behind Tolerance
21December 15:53H Posted by James Ogle, MSW, LCSW
Many people share with me that they perceive themself as a tolerant person. However, when a person talks to someone else, that person may not actually be as open-minded as they believe. A recent example of this is the 2020 presidential election. Some people may also experience pride with their intolerance of other people and their ideas. From my perspective, embracing tolerance is highly challenging for many people. When a person can truly embrace tolerance and maintain an open mind, they can learn from others and build better relationships.
When I work with a person who wants to build better relationships but struggles with intolerance, I first help them explore their self-confidence. Some common beliefs are that success is defined as striving for perfection and always being the smartest person in the room. Because achieving these beliefs is not realistic, people often feel insecure. Furthermore, a person often feels threatened when someone challenges what they believe. By helping people recognize that you can strive to do your best and no one is perfect, people can become more accepting of someone else’s ideas. I then help that person see the value of embracing the idea that individuals are often wrong or do not fully grasp topics they discuss. If a person can embrace being challenged by someone else, they may learn something new by listening to another person’s viewpoint. Relationships can be strengthened by listening to and acknowledging someone else’s viewpoint. It can be harmful to relationships when a person embraces intolerance. If you think about it, the greatest scientific discoveries occurred by accident when the scientist themself embraced being wrong.
James Ogle, MSW, LCSW
Jim Ogle, MSW, LCSW
Jim is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who earned his Master’s degree in Social Work from Boston College. Having grown up in the North Shore area, Jim brings a familiarity of the community to the practice. He has been with Attention to Wellness for over a year and has over 16 years’ experience working with both adolescents and adults.
Jim has provided treatment in a variety of clinical settings to adolescents, adults, and families experiencing depression, anxiety, conduct issues, and other mood disorders. He brings six years’ experience working in court systems with youth on probation who were at risk of being removed from their home, and their families. Jim also brings experience providing anger management and drug counseling groups within multiple schools. Currently, Jim also works at a high school providing social work services to students who have an Individualized Education Program.
Jim’s approach with both adolescents and adults incorporates techniques from strengths-based, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy/Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (CBT/DBT), Motivational Interviewing, and Structural Family Therapy to help clients identify and eliminate barriers that inhibit them from achieving their goals.
Learn More About Us
Add Comment