5 Steps to Gaining Balance and Success
STEP 1. Self-Awareness
In therapy we will collaboratively focus on how your thoughts drive your feelings and the results in your life. Learning to be aware of how you think, feel, and behave in different situations can give you control, and power over different outcomes in your life. This is the vehicle to beginning your journey to finding a true sense of peace, and is the first part in you overcoming any obstacle that comes your way in life. I can guide you in this process of getting to know yourself on a deeper level, to help you become the expert on knowing who you truly are. Once you become “centered” through Self-Awareness, then you will begin to gain answers to many of your questions about your life. When you grasp this skill, you are half way there to your breakthrough. Self-Awareness is the most important and vital step in your journey.
STEP 2. Exploration
Together, we take a closer look as you will begin to understand the "Why’s in your life”. Why do I have these thoughts? Why does my teenager react to me in this way? Why do I procrastinate? Why do I choose these romantic partners? Why do I struggle with addiction? Why don’t I get ahead at work? Why do I feels stuck in this relationship? Why can’t I understand my partner? Why don’t people understand me? Understanding the “Whys” will lead to knowing what to do about it. In therapy we take a deeper look in order to find the causes to the different traits that make you think, feel, and behave how you do. Together, you will learn why family, friends, significant other, co-workers, may react to you how they do, and why you react in the ways that you do. This process in therapy is collaborative, and done at your own pace! This is when you can truly gain control over your life. Finding out what makes us tick so to speak, and what areas need some fine tuning.
STEP 3. Willingness
This is taking action. The wind in your sails towards the discovery of peace. Being willing to do something new is directly related to positive, sustainable changes happening in your life. Trying a new way to interact, or a new activity, or a new way of looking at a situation can be hard. But YOU CAN! And this is where positive changes begin to permanently improve your life. I help my clients to “try on” new views, and new behaviors or activities that work and feel good to you to improve your interactions, and to gain peace and control over your life.
STEP 4. Self-Care and Balance
Doing things that are healthy for me, and enjoyable! This one can be a challenge in today’s fast pace life. I find that we tend to do things for ourselves that feel good, but aren’t always good for us. Drinking, drugs, shopping, and a long list of other “things to do” can feel good, but are not Self-Care. Finding the time to take care of yourself and what this means is important to your peace and power in life. I believe this is a MUST in order to find your success in healing. After all, how do we find the energy to “pour out ourselves” in work, parenthood, relationships, and to our significant others, if our “cup is empty”. Learn to remember to keep your “cup full” through relaxation techniques, mindfulness, meditation, faith, and many more self-care methods and activities you can discover.
Step 5. Practice and Implement
Practice the new perspectives, activities, and patterns you learn from the first 4 steps, and adopt what has worked for you. Make the new views and behaviors a permanent part of your life in order to have a lasting sense of peace and balance.
