Therapy: Not Just Talking About the Past, But Creating a New Future
Many people think that therapy is about talking about the past, but that is not the whole truth. In this article, I want to share with you some insights and experiences that I learned from my own personal therapy and from working with clients.
When I first started therapy, I talked a lot. I did not want to change anything in my life, I just wanted to vent and express myself. Sometimes, I would switch to situations from the past, either consciously or unconsciously. I thought I was wasting time on this, but I realized later that it was part of the process.
Talking about the past can help you understand how your problem developed and how it affects you today. It can also help you access and release the emotions that you may have suppressed or denied. However, talking alone is not enough. You also need to be aware of how your emotions influence your thoughts and actions. Sometimes, your emotional assessment of a situation may be different from your rational assessment. For example, you may feel angry at someone who hurt you, but you may also think that you deserved it or that you have no right to be angry. This can create a conflict within yourself and prevent you from healing.
One way to become more aware of your emotions and thoughts is to make Audio record of your therapy sessions and listen to them again later. This is what I did, and it was very enlightening. I noticed that the more I talked, the more I got lost in the story and the further I moved away from my goal. I realized that the story was more important to me than the change. I was attached to the past and afraid of the future.
This is when I learned another important lesson: the main thing in therapy is perspective. Perspective is how you see yourself, your situation, and your possibility. Perspective can change everything.
Talking about your problem can help you gain perspective, but it is not enough. You also need to experiment with new ways of being and acting in the present and the future. You need to challenge your old beliefs and behaviors and try something different. You need to do what you want, not what you think you should.
Of course, this is easier to say that. It takes courage and practice to change your perspective and your actions. You may need to rehearse them in therapy before you do them in real life. You may need to overcome your fears and defenses. You may need to face the consequences of your actions. But it is worth it.
When you act differently, you feel differently. You see the world differently. You create a new reality for yourself. You open up new possibilities for your future. It does not matter what your problem is: whether you struggle with relationships, divorce, boundaries, or panic attacks. What matters is that you are able to do something different, even if it is just once. That one time can make a difference.
And then, you start to plan your life differently. You have a new perspective. You have more confidence and hope. You have more choices and opportunities. You have more freedom and happiness.
That is what therapy is about: not just talking about the past, but creating a new future.
I hope you enjoyed reading this article and found it useful. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to leave a comment below.
This article is based only on my own opinions and experiences and does not represent any professional or medical advice. If you are interested in therapy or need help with any mental health issues, please consult a qualified therapist or counselor.