Should I start therapy during the summer?
By Carly Fleming, M.Ed., RP
For many people (but certainly not al!), summer tends to be a time of feeling good. The warm and sunny weather naturally lifts our mood, enjoyable activities abound, and if we’re lucky, we get some time off work or school to recharge our batteries.
At first glance, this may seem like a strange time to seek the support of a therapist. But let’s look a little deeper…
Most people who work with a therapist initiate contact when they are going through hard things.
When life gets tough, it makes sense that people seek additional support. Working with a therapist during life’s hard times can help people navigate stress, crisis, illness, major life transitions, etc.
But most therapists know that the true healing work takes place once things have stabilized in the client’s life.
When there is a period of calm and emotional stability, the client and therapist can work together to begin to unravel the complexities of the client’s history, the trauma they may have experienced, the narratives they are carrying that no longer serve them, etc.
This is why starting therapy in the summer when you’re actually feeling pretty good can be a very good idea!
You can tell your story to your therapist in a way that prioritizes what you want to work on, instead of what a crisis forces you to work on. You can be curious about how your previous experiences are impacting your life now, instead of urgently zoning in on the issues that have reared their heads. You can practice new ways of being with yourself and others in a way that allows you to observe the changes and make tweaks to your practice along the way. And then, when the sh*t inevitably hits the fan and life throws you a crisis or a major disruption, you have the skills you worked on in therapy to help you navigate this time plus you already have a relationship established with a therapist who knows you and can jump in to support you in that moment.
If you’re curious about connecting with a therapist this summer, we offer a free 30-minute consultation with one of our client coordinators. They will learn a little bit about you and what you want to work on in therapy and will connect you with a therapist best suited to your needs. Book your free consultation here.
Looking for some support?
If you’re struggling with your relationships and wondering whether therapy can help, then you’re already taking a step towards a vision of improved personal well being. Maybe now is the time, or a seed has been planted for the future. Either way, we’ll be here to support you when you’re ready - because you matter.
When you’re ready, we can help.
Book a free 30 minute consultation and let’s talk about it.