This comes up a lot in teaching. I don't know why it bothers me so much to hear colleagues and TV teachers (mostly TV teachers) talk about "making a difference." It sounds so self-centered sometimes, so presumptuous.

And I don't know why, because certainly I believe teachers can "make a difference" and "matter." I had many teachers who I felt made a difference in my life - a big difference. Students/parents have told me I make a difference / matter (Which is very ego-stroking, of course).

Anyway. I find this similar to therapists - my therapist matters to me. But the idea of him bragging about it at a cocktail party is distasteful.

ETA: If the question is more about whether the profession as a whole is a worthy one...Well, I admit that my own prejudices place therapists before, like, Wall Street executives.