The Best Advice I've Ever Gotten From A Therapist
7 DISCOVERIES FROM THERAPY WE CAN’T STOP THINKING ABOUT
Sometimes your therapist says something, and suddenly you’re like, “Yes! Now I get it!” You feel something click into place. Their words help you understand exactly what you’re dealing with, and you leave feeling like things make more sense.
If you’ve ever had one of those a-ha moments in therapy, you know just how rewarding it can feel. That advice sticks with you long after that session is over. It becomes something that you repeat over and over – and it never stops feeling important or relevant in your life.
To make your life a little easier, we’ve compiled some of the best advice that people have gotten from their own therapist. Hopefully some of these may spark a little a-ha moment for you too.
“Where you’re at right now is not who you are.”
When you’re struggling, it can feel like there’s no light at the end of the tunnel. This is just your life now, and you’re defined by whatever you’re feeling. But that’s not the case! You are still you.
“No one thinks and feels exactly like you do.”
It’s easy to get frustrated in your relationships because everyone shows their emotions, appreciation, and love in different ways. You can’t be mad at people for not expressing things in the exact same way that you do.
“Sick is sick, medicine is medicine.”
If you have the flu and can’t get out of bed, you can take medicine. If you’re depressed and can’t get out of bed, you can take medicine. Sometimes we need a little help, and there’s no shame in that.
“Your mental health should come first.”
It’s so easy to get weighed down and overly stressed by all of the things you should be doing for other people. At the end of the day, prioritizing your health first will allow you to be there for others.
“Don’t let your choices be defined by what you think other people are doing.”
We’re constantly updated on everyone’s life through social media, and it’s normal to feel pressure to mirror everyone else’s life. But focus on whatever feels best for you, not what you think everyone else is doing. Chances are, there are people that look at your profile and feel that same pressure.
“Give yourself a minute to think of all your fears, worst-case scenarios, and what could go wrong. Then let it go.”
Anxiety fuels itself on the negative what-ifs in every situation. Take 60 seconds to let all of those thoughts run through you, and then let them all go. You may even realize that the worst case that you envision wouldn’t actually be that bad after all.
“It’s not just about recovery, it’s about discovery.”
When we focus on a destination, it can be easy to lose sight of the road to getting there. Paying attention to each individual step forward and not getting caught up in thinking about ‘recovery’ or ‘being cured’ can be a huge help in your process. Celebrate each little success, and keep moving forward.