(read previous blog).
An exploration of the ways that therapy is a meaningful meaning making and change making endeavour.
3. Repair in relationships
So many of our emotional wounds are created in and through relationships. Therefore, it follows that some of these wounds can be repaired through relationship. There are some of us that will never get the opportunity to repair within the relationships where the wound was created for various reasons. Potentially the person having a lack of willingness, limited capability or the person no longer being accessible. Does this mean we have no recourse or way to repair? This work can be done within a safe, consistent and non-judgmental relationship that is the therapeutic relationship.
4. Reimagining relationships
With regards to the therapeutic relationship there is great benefit in having the experience of a reliable, congruent, non-judgmental and safe relationship. I have seen how for some clients this relationship is the exception within their existing relationships and ultimately provides an example of and permission to set different expectations and patterns in relationships outside of the therapy room.
5. Relief providing strategies
Clients may start therapy because of maladaptive relief providing behaviours which are causing distress for the client or the people in their lives. These behaviours provide mental and emotional relief for the client in some way but the consequences may be disruptive or distressing. Examples are substance abuse, self-harm, sexual behaviours etc. Research has shown that through therapy there can be a reduction of relief providing behaviours that may be distressing. In fact, one might say that the therapy itself is relief providing.
To summarise why you may want to consider therapy;
- Information gathering resulting in improved self-awareness
- Information gathering resulting in improved emotional awareness.
- Repair and reimagining relationships.
- Develop more functional coping strategies
After reading this 2 part exploration of the potential benefits of therapy, I hope this answers some of your questions. You’re not paying to talk you’re paying for far more.
Soft Landings 