"The shape of happiness varies for each person. I want to value how each individual feels and how they want to live."
With a strong belief, Dr. Lily has conducted counseling for over 1,800 people.
This time, we interviewed about Dr. Lily's Love Clinic, where Dr. Lily serves as the director.
Dr. Lily says she originally had a love-oriented personality and often struggled with "love." However, with the support of her family and friends, she was able to overcome these struggles, which led her to establish Dr. Lily's Love Clinic to "support those with similar concerns."
In this article, we delve into Dr. Lily's roots and her thoughts on running the Love Clinic.
1. What is Dr. Lily's Love Clinic?
A significant feature of Dr. Lily's Love Clinic is its counseling rooms focused on six major themes: "Love & Heartbreak," "Marriage & Matchmaking," "Cheating & Infidelity," "Divorce," "Sex," and "Family."
While it addresses a wide range of issues related to human relationships, it places particular emphasis on love and family relationships. In reality, some people also come for advice about workplace relationships.
Although the name "Love Clinic" often brings people in for love-related issues, those who come for love advice sometimes end up discussing workplace or parent-child relationship problems. Therefore, consultations are also available for those with children.
1-1. What is a "LOVE MAKES YOU HAPPY" society?
[Interviewer (Writer): Fukuoka / Interviewee: Dr. Lily]
Fukuoka: What prompted you to start helping LGBTQ individuals find partners?
Dr. Lily: As Dr. Lily's Love Clinic enters its 7th year in April 2023, I have had several consultations from sexual minorities since its inception in 2017.
Having LGBTQ friends and acquaintances around me, and knowing that about 10% of the population are sexual minorities, prompted me to think about providing specialized support.
Our company has adopted the slogan "LOVE MAKES YOU HAPPY," and as part of our efforts, we also provide love and matchmaking support for LGBTQ individuals.
Through interactions with many individuals, I have realized that being a sexual minority often leads to "difficulty in living" in terms of human relationships and social life, causing many challenges.
1-2. Love challenges faced by LGBTQ individuals
Fukuoka: What kind of love challenges do LGBTQ individuals face?
Dr. Lily: I think there are two major challenges. The first is "difficulty in finding a partner." As the term "minority" suggests, the smaller population makes it hard for many to find partners.
The second is "not recognizing one's own sexuality." Some people like both men and women, while others have never been in love or have never liked someone, which leads them to seek advice.
During counseling, I explore how well the individual recognizes their own sexuality while having a conversation with them.
1-3. What is most important in counseling
Fukuoka: When conducting counseling, there are several important points. What do you consider most important?
Dr. Lily: First, I make sure not to generalize or make assumptions about the person. Understanding the individual's SOGI* through the hearing process and responding accordingly leads to a form of happiness that suits them.
*SOGI stands for Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity, referring to sexual orientation (who you are attracted to) and gender identity (your internal sense of gender).
Another important aspect is considering "what truly makes the client happy."
Sometimes what the client wishes for may not actually lead to happiness. Therefore, while acknowledging their desires, we need to consider together whether it is truly a path to happiness and how to make choices that they won't regret in the future.
In other words, I separate what the client wants to do from what will actually make them happy and advise them so they can realize their own happiness.
2. Who is Dr. Lily?
Fukuoka: Why did you decide to start Dr. Lily's Love Clinic?
Dr. Lily: Many people struggle with love, and I myself have been easily swayed by love, experiencing difficulties in my marriage. During those tough times, I was able to overcome them with the support of those around me, which inspired me to become someone who can support others struggling, leading to the establishment of Dr. Lily's Love Clinic.
I have always enjoyed love stories, and I find it fun to listen to such stories. So, I wanted to use my experiences and knowledge to support those struggling with love.
Fukuoka: What brings you joy in your activities, Dr. Lily?
Dr. Lily: Seeing the smiles of those who have received counseling and receiving words of gratitude is what makes me happiest.
For example, when someone who broke up with their partner successfully reconciles and reports back, or when someone who was suffering from heartbreak tells me they have moved on and are now happy thanks to my advice.
Being able to bring about changes in the lives of my clients and assist in their happiness gives me great fulfillment in my current work.
3. Words for those struggling with love
Fukuoka: If you have any thoughts you would like to share with those struggling with love or relationships, please let us know.
Dr. Lily: I personally believe that loving yourself is the shortcut to happiness.
Loving and accepting yourself is an essential element of feeling happiness, and achieving success or gaining approval is not the only way to feel happy.
There are surprisingly many people who think, "I don't deserve to be happy," but I believe happiness is different for everyone, so I hope people don't give up on finding their own happiness.
Also, I want to convey that it's not embarrassing to have concerns.
I myself have had times when I was deeply troubled by love and marriage. Consulting with family and friends was a relief for me, but not everyone is in a situation where they can easily consult others.
If you can talk to those around you, please don't hesitate to open up. If that's still difficult, we are here to support you wholeheartedly.
4. Challenges towards a future filled with love
Fukuoka: What activities do you want to focus on in the future, Dr. Lily?
Dr. Lily: I want to increase the number of people who can convey positive values like "the desire to change oneself" and "a life of loving and being loved."
"Before starting matchmaking, I was a self-centered person, but it became an opportunity to reflect on myself through matchmaking."
"Matchmaking changed my perspective, and my life took a positive turn afterward."
Based on feedback like this from clients, I want to continue focusing on training counselors who can support people with concerns in a positive direction.
Currently, we are not only providing love counseling but also conducting a "Matchmaking Clinic" as part of our matchmaking support, where we plan to increase the number of counselors and provide effective support.
5. In conclusion
Dr. Lily taught us how important it is to accept and love oneself.
Because Dr. Lily respects and supports her clients without denying them, she can help each person find their happiness, as the author felt.
If you want someone to listen to your concerns about relationships or love, or if you wish to seek advice, please feel free to contact us through the website below.
Official Website: https://lily-clinic.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.lily_clinic/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrLily_clinic
