How can therapy help when the world is on fire?
We are not supposed to pretend this level of chaos is normal.
We absolutely are in the midst of a massive societal shift and it’s actually healthy to respond to that with distress as it’s legitimately distressing.
So how can therapy help when it feels like the world is on fire?
Obviously individual therapy is not the magic solution to all of society’s issues but it’s a fantastic start. Here’s what I have heard from my clients to over the last few months (lets be real, last few years) about how therapy is making their lives a little better:
It’s consistent - When things are truly overwhelming, it’s vital to have one consistent spot in your schedule where you know you can just show up and be heard. Having therapy as a touchstone has helped my clients when they feel like the rest of their lives are outside of their control because let's face it, we don’t control most things in our lives. Never underestimate the value of a solid routine especially when that routine involves taking care of yourself.
It’s “being the change you want to see in the world” - When people come to therapy, they often are searching for a different way of operating in the world and feeling better in their daily lives. You know what helps on a large scale? Having more and more people invested in being kind to themselves and compassionate to others. You know what can help with that, one person at a time? Therapy. Showing up as your best self changes everyone you interact with so there’s a therapeutic ripple effect.
It’s subversive - In a society where the loudest, angriest, and most controversial people steal the spotlight, therapy is a space where the subtle shifts, the quiet emotions, the soft voice of intuition reign supreme. There’s no competition, no screaming into the social media void. Therapy is subversive in our current landscape as it challenges the idea that you are only valuable if you are productive and gives space to experience regardless of outcomes. Seeing yourself through a different lens gives you the chance to see the chaos outside for what it is instead of internalizing it.
If this resonated with you, please reach out for a consultation with one of our team members. If we are not a great fit, we have trusted referrals to help you out as well. It’s wild out there but we are here in solidarity.