Why Therapy?
Therapy is a Process, Not an Event.
Every person is unique. At the same time, there are some behavior patterns common to how many people function in their lives. One of my roles is to identify problematic behavior patterns, offer insight and suggest ways to operate more effectively. For example:
NEGATIVE STORYTELLING
In the absence of the real information, it’s not uncommon for people to make up stories to fill the space. Rarely is the story positive or optimistic.
The Information:
He’s late and he hasn’t called!
The Story:
“I’m never a priority!”
“He doesn’t really love me!”
“He’s gotten into a car accident!”
The Real Information:
He was tied up in a meeting that ran late. He tried calling as he was running to his car but his phone battery had run out. He’s very frustrated and will purchase a phone charger for his car tomorrow.
As we talk, I will help you to recognize the story you have made up and the pattern you may have for doing this, and I will suggest techniques to help you change this pattern of thinking.
NEGATIVE SELF-JUDGMENT
You are having a reaction to something that has happened and you negatively judge yourself:
“I shouldn’t be feeling this way!”
“There’s something wrong with me!”
“I’m weak!”
“I’m crazy!”
“No one else would act like this!”
As we talk, I will help you to understand your feelings. When we feel highly emotional, we can lose sight of our circumstances and hold ourselves to an unrealistic standard. Part of my role is to recognize when this may be happening and help you to sort through and better understand what’s going on. Doing so can lead you to thinking more clearly on your own behalf.