People come into psychotherapy often because they want to change. For example, they may want to improve their mood, reduce anxiety, improve relationships or find ways of coping with difficult life circumstances.
Change is generally considered to be an event. You move from A, to B. X stops and Y begins. Changes external to us are like this. A relationship ends. You move house. You change job. The sun shines, and then it rains.
Internal changes however, are not events. We transition from one way of being to another, usually over a period of time. Transition can be so subtle we don't even notice it for a while, this is often the case as mental health symptoms develop.
Recovery is this way too. Perhaps over time you become gradually less anxious, with more calm times, and/or a reducing intensity of anxious feelings. Or you begin to have more level days and fewer down days. Or you gradually learn to look after your emotional self more tenderly.
The trouble comes when we expect a transition to be a sudden change. If you want to change in a week, then disappointment awaits. Much progress can be made in short periods, but it is a catalyst that always needs consolidation and reinforcement. Habit change always take time and application. Transition is uncomfortable, it is not always easy.
Quick fixes don't last. What does endure is day in, day out caring for yourself, applying compassion and nurturing to your inner wounds, giving protection and safety to your vulnerabilities.
If you are up for a period of introspection, and for making a sustained commitment to your own well-being alongside it, then get in touch. I may be the psychotherapist for you.
Comments