Greetings to all of my readers! Do you all have your mobile phones close by? Would you be able to get yours for me? I would really appreciate it if you could open up the Notes app (or any other note-taking application) and make a note to yourself. Thank you! Take 30 seconds to think about yourself, then open up your Notes app and write down any thoughts that come to mind. It seems that you have been absorbing a lot of information today, which is quite impressive. Take a few moments to contemplate you and what duties and people are most important to you. Make a list of any current situations that you're dealing with so that you can have all the details in one place. Write down as many of them as possible. You had a time limit of 30 seconds. Even if your writing seems disorganized, don't be concerned; it is not necessary to place your thoughts in a certain sequence. Write them down regardless of the order. As many items as possible should be obtained in the given timeframe. No pressure, just give it five more seconds of your time and write away! That's what we need. If I gave you half an hour, it's likely that you would be able to keep adding more items to the list. Please make sure to retain this list, and we can revisit it at the conclusion of our discussion. Is that okay?
I am going to discuss the transformative nature of therapeutic relationships today. I'm a psychotherapist in the field of mental health, and I am extremely passionate about how this therapeutic relationship can truly make a difference to people's lives. Often when people seek help, they have a multitude of things in their minds that may be unorganized. These can include many concerns that they may not even realize they have. The human mind is usually quite so chaotic and disorganized. I often hear two sentiments expressed: "I don't know where to begin" and "I'm not sure where these ideas are coming from." A therapeutic relationship can be incredibly impactful in aiding individuals to reach their potential and even beyond what they believed feasible. Through such a relationship, people are better able to progress from their current state to a place of greater success. Taking time to invest in yourself through therapy is an act of reflection, allowing you to provide space for growth and understanding. Sessions typically occur on a weekly basis, though they may only last an hour. The work done between these sessions is just as important as the time spent in the actual session. Taking care of ourselves and our mental health as well as nourishing our emotional wellbeing is likely more vital right now than ever before during my 20 years in the field. I have had the pleasure of working with clients ranging in age from four or five years old up to those in their mid-80s, which is proof that there is no such thing as too young or too old to do some self-improvement and learn more about yourself. Sometimes it can be quite helpful to talk to someone who isn't a family member or friend and who is unbiased, in order to gain clarity and insight into our assumptions about ourselves. Having a safe space in which to do this can be most invaluable. By investing your time and effort into yourself, you will reap the benefits for many years to come.
When feeling a bit down, many of us tend to go out and make purchases that can potentially boost our mood. Examples include buying new clothes, shoes, or even gym gear. It's almost like we're telling ourselves: "Hey, maybe I can feel better if I just get something new." When considering a long-term investment, such as therapy and its metamorphic relationship, it is important to understand that the benefits extend far beyond the therapeutic setting. In fact, we cannot "unlearn" what we have gained from this process and these effects will last for our entire lives - making this a worthwhile endeavor. Carl Rogers, who was mentioned earlier, is a highly influential figure in counseling and psychotherapy. He introduced the person-centered approach to these fields, and he often uses the analogy of a potato to illustrate his ideas. As far as I know, I am the only speaker today who has included a potato on their slide! When he was a young boy, in the basement of his house there was a bin containing potatoes. There was a small window and he noticed that even though the conditions in the basement weren't ideal for growth, the potatoes were still struggling to grow; the sprouts and shoots would be white and thin but stretching towards the sun coming through that window. He used an analogy of people to explain his theory, which is based on the idea that we all have a natural need to develop and reach our full potential. He believes that everyone has the ability to become who they want to be.
When considering what would create an environment conducive to growth, what are we discussing? If you search for "therapy images" on Google, the results used to be quite different than what they are now. Fortunately, we have progressed beyond these earlier depictions. No longer do you go to visit someone and find them telling you to lie down on the couch, while they sit behind you in an awkward manner. One of the most essential elements of therapy is establishing a good rapport with the person being treated. This is achieved through eye contact and building a relationship, which is just as important as any model or therapeutic technique used. Without this connection, it's impossible to have an effective treatment. Therapy has evolved, and as a result, the approach to treatment has changed. This shift in thinking has also helped to reduce any stigma associated with seeking assistance. In my career, I have noticed a change in the public's attitude towards mental health and it has become more widely accepted. This is especially true since the subject has been covered in the media more often, with more people coming forward to talk about their own struggles. For therapy to be successful, the client needs to be in the right mindset and motivated - even if that motivation is only slight - to make changes. Otherwise, it won't work no matter how much effort you put in. We cannot assume responsibility or accountability for someone else; we must provide assistance to help them take ownership of their own actions and their own lives. In order to assist the individual seeking help, we need to do whatever works. This includes providing easy access to services without treating them as a mere number and being placed on long waiting lists or being bounced around from service provider to service provider with no clear solution for their problem. At this facility, we strive to ensure that our work meets the needs of our clients. As an example, just last week one of them came in and made themselves comfortable by taking off their shoes and wrapping themselves in a throw while having a cup of coffee before starting the therapy session. Behind me is an image of one of those rooms. Therapy sessions don't have to take place in a single setting. They can be done virtually, over the phone, or even outdoors near water if that suits the individual looking for assistance. Wherever works best for them is where the session will happen. It is paramount that we treat individuals with respect and courtesy, rather than merely as someone who arrives to receive services without any further interaction.
I won't argue with Dumbledore's wise words that language is a powerful tool, capable of both causing harm and providing healing. However, I have to admit that I am a fan of Harry Potter! There is a variety of different types of talking therapies available, such as person-centered, cognitive, systemic and psychoanalytical approaches. These can be utilized to help couples, families or individuals of any age depending on the needs of the individual. It is indeed true that there are many options out there. At times, though, language can be inadequate when it comes to expressing certain thoughts or emotions. We are often attempting to express the incomprehensible, trying to use language to give an inadequate description of something. Considering creativity, we've talked a lot about it today. Being creative can be of great assistance when finding ways to express ourselves. How many people here would consider themselves to be creative? Is it therapeutic for you when engaging in such activities, whatever they may be? When it comes to creativity, a common phrase heard in the UK is "I'm not very good at drawing." However, we can still engage in other creative activities such as growing vegetables or painting. Adults usually tend to be that way. This is not about the medium used, but rather how it is employed; the expression of color being paramount.
I have brought a few examples to demonstrate creative expression for you today. These masks are used in therapy and serve as an outward representation of how individuals wish to present themselves to the world. This one features a lady with a smile, and she appears to be doing alright as indicated by the question mark and smiley face. Underneath the mask itself is written the sentence "I'm okay." Showing the world that everything is going well seems to be everyone's first priority even though on the inside, things may be different. Nobody needs to know about this when they should. Although working from a Jungian perspective, one can begin by exploring the Persona, the outer face presented to the world, and gradually move inward toward the shadow, which holds unexpressed and unconscious aspects of oneself. The image conveys a lot about how people are feeling deep down, even if it is difficult to express in words. It really shows us what was going on inside them, and we can understand that without much explanation. Considering this, although invisible to the eye, there was a green hot air balloon at the top. The individual felt his thoughts were scattered and he could not keep up with them. Despite appearing as an upbeat and extroverted person, inside he felt lost. This lady here is struggling to ask for help, yet she insists that she's okay. It is evident that she needs assistance but cannot bring herself to make the request. Any form of creativity can be used to express oneself, such as using items like sand and buttons - my personal favorite. Music is a great tool for self-expression as well. However, some of these forms may not have been expressed before, especially the inner thoughts that constantly run through our minds - the "unsaid" or "self-talk" or "inner conscience" parts so to speak. I am deeply honored to be able to share such intimate parts of myself with someone, as many people find it difficult to open up due to feelings of shame, embarrassment and guilt.
Anyway, a therapist is a doctor providing professional assistance to clients in order to help them understand and manage their mental health and wellbeing. Therapists should be fully engaged in what their clients are doing. It's important when talking with someone to be a good listener, remain open-minded and non-judgmental, show empathy and even add a bit of humor. This will help create a strong connection between the speaker and listener, so that the person feels comfortable bringing up whatever is on their mind. The role of the therapist is essential in helping the client progress, providing a secure environment for them to explore their thoughts or feelings. This could be anything from minor incidents to major traumas - all are significant and beneficial for the individual's therapeutic journey. It is still essential though that the individual seeking help finds the most appropriate therapist for their needs. Anyone who has ever gone to someone for help only to find out that the person was not suitable for providing support knows how disruptive this can be. A recurring topic I frequently hear conversations about is choice. Frequently, individuals express that they don't have an option and are unsure of what the next step should be. It is common to feel obliged to accept certain jobs or tasks; however, it doesn't necessarily mean it's the only choice available. No matter how unpleasant the choices may be, we always have the power to make decisions. We may not enjoy the options available to us, but there are still choices that can be made. Making wrong choices is a part of the learning process, and for me that's where I learn the most. It's all about trial and error - I'm constantly getting things wrong and making mistakes, but it's all part of becoming better. The learning that comes from these experiences is quite invaluable. Have you ever been in a situation where you have felt pressured to agree to something, even though deep down you really wanted to say no? This is one of the many topics that are often discussed when discussing boundaries. There are many people around us, so when it comes to setting boundaries, we should take into consideration others' feelings and do the right thing. It is essential to our mental health that we learn how to take care of ourselves and know when to draw the line, being assertive and decisive in saying "no" when necessary. It provides us with a protective barrier, forming an area of safety around us. One other thing to note is the need for courage; the strength and determination to confront difficult issues. This may not necessarily require just delving into past experiences, but also rather a willingness to summon inner courage and strength in order to help someone progress. This process is certainly not an easy one; it requires hard work and dedication. Many people may feel worse before they experience any relief. That being said, we must have faith in each other that together we can come up with a plan that will lead to a better outcome.
I believe that the counseling and psychotherapy field has much more potential than just what it is currently doing. I think that with our expertise and training, we can take this idea even further and explore different possibilities in other industries. I have had varied experiences in the field of health services education, including working in emergency services and chemical process plants, all while providing metamorphic therapeutic relationships. If both of us work together, the positive effects can be seen within a leadership team. For example, if someone is in charge of a business or managing a team and they begin to implement changes, those changes will have a ripple effect on their relationships, family, teams and culture. If we are able to construct a bond with more versatility and personalization, it will not just be advantageous for the individual but also those in their vicinity. This flexibility could result in immense profits. I'm taking a quote from Sally, with her approval to use her as an example; though it should be noted that the name is not her true one. Sally has been in a long-term marriage, is the owner of her own business, and has two children. Approximately 18 months ago, she started to manage her business. She was trying her best to be a great mother and spouse, as well as taking on many roles; however, she couldn't seem to get the hang of any of it. For the past 18 months, we have been collaborating together on a monthly basis for a couple of hours each time and she has really given it her all. She has put in much effort to the work she is doing. She has explored the ways in which her past experiences, particularly those from her childhood and any traumatic ordeals she faced, have shaped her patterns of behavior and formed the attachments and bonds she currently holds. She has taken what she had and utilized it to create a secure foundation for herself, even though she was once uncertain about her goals and dedication to the path that she wanted to pursue. By creating a team within her business, she feels much more secure and safe at home, resulting in her relationships being far better than before. Additionally, her business has seen growth as a result. We've never examined her financial performance until now, and it's incredible to see that she has increased her annual turnover from £90,000 to over a million in less than 18 months simply by relocating. She recognized that she was an obstacle to her own progress, which was one of the most vital elements of the work; thus, making it clear how significant the ripple effect really is.
The ultimate goal is to empower people to stand on their own two feet and make it through the journey of self-improvement with all the knowledge, cues, tactics and thoughts they have gained from us. We strive for a situation where our presence is no longer needed - one in which people are confident enough to fly solo. Having the groundwork laid within a therapeutic relationship allows for a trust to be built that can be returned to when needed. Being able to learn to fly solo can be daunting, but having this resource gives clarity and peace of mind that you can return back to even if it's six months or a year later. Even just an occasional session is enough to give some reassurance. Learning from others has become a common practice due to social media, as we seek out people who are more knowledgeable than us about particular topics. These experts are often referred to as gurus. Of course, nobody has more insight into ourselves than we do. Gaining insight into yourself, no matter the method - whether it's therapy, self-improvement, emotional intelligence or anything else - can give you a sense of having control over your direction in life. It is an opportunity that is within your grasp. We aspire to fly solo and be independent, pursuing our own learning journey without relying on guidance from outside sources. Could you please show me the list that you mentioned in the beginning so I can take a quick look at it? What was the size of the group that included themselves on the list? At the top of the list, there were quite a few individuals who proved themselves to be outstanding. How many people did not include themselves on the list at all, and is that really okay? I'm glad it worked out; taking that chance was a bit of a gamble, and it could have gone either way. The list is intended to help one reflect on their current situation. I understand how challenging it can be to prioritize self-care when one is a wife and mother of three teenage children, as well as running a business. However, I also believe that taking the time for yourself is not selfish; it is essential for your wellbeing. Therefore, I urge you to find ways to look after yourself and practice good self-care habits. If you're having a hard time, there's an opportunity to benefit from a transformational healing connection. Thank you for your consideration.
See also: https://mygodsentangels.com/