10 Ways to Know You’re Done with Therapy
I often tell my clients in my initial consultation call & first session that I believe if I’m successful in my role as therapist, I’ll eventually work myself out of a job. When we are successful, one day you’ll graduate therapy. To that end, it’s super important both client & therapist have a clear understanding of what success in therapy looks like in real, practical ways. That way, when we arrive there, we know it’s time to celebrate and send you on your way. Goal accomplished!
Am I Codependent?
Codependency is a bit of a psychobabble buzz word - but what is codependency? Codependency describes a set of traits and features of unhealthy dependence on another for that one’s emotional well being. This term is often used within the realm of addiction, but codependency can surface in other relationships as well.
Ultimately, people who struggle with codependency will not feel okay unless others are okay. There is a blurred line between one’s own thoughts, emotions, and needs and the thoughts, emotions or needs of another person.
How to Stop People Pleasing
People pleasing has its perks. It often means you’re appreciated as the team player at work, considered the friend or family member that is reliable and thoughtful, the one your friends confide in because you’re quick to listen and follow up in meaningful ways. It’s a quality that is rewarded in friendships, families, workplace, and church communities. I get it, I’m a recovering people pleaser myself. The dark side of people pleasing emerges when relationships become more and more one-sided, demanding emotional energy without reciprocity, and unexpressed resentment starts to fester.
It’s Okay to Feel what You’re Feeling
How I first imagined using this time social distancing has had to change and evolve as news and my own reactions have changed (translation: I have NOT cleaned my baseboards). The effects of this pandemic are hitting everyone, and it affects people differently depending on different stages of life, personality types, family structures, socioeconomic status, occupation, living alone or with others, what was already going on in your life, etc.
It’s okay to feel what you’re feeling.
Sheltering In Tension - When Social Distancing Really Sucks
Things weren’t great at home, but you survived through staying busy at work and making plans outside of the home. Then the coronavirus pandemic hit, and you are stuck at home, face to face with the tension you’ve been trying to avoid. You’re inundated with blogs & opinion pieces about finding the silver lining during social distancing and maximizing quality family time.
Nothing about your current situation seems hopeful nor quality. So how do you survive this crisis?