A client recently told me a pretty delightful knock knock joke:
Question: How many therapists does it take to change a light bulb?
Answer: Just one - but the light bulb has to really want to change.
While some therapy modalities is purely insight based, the evidence-based therapies that we use are strength based and goal oriented. We all have the capacity to change - our brain is wired to do that. We need to want to change, and putting in the work is how we create that change.
Wanting to change doesn't mean that there is something inherently wrong with you. Maybe there's something in your life that you don't love. Maybe you are feeling lost, alone, or down. Maybe you're interested in growing in some more existential way.
So, what IS therapy?
Therapy is a process that teaches you about how your emotions and mind work together. With the support of a therapist, it can help you develop skills to identify and regulate your thoughts and feelings, while processing and putting away all the goodies in your closet, so that you can build a life that you are excited to live. Sometimes, therapy involves goal setting and progress tracking, while at other times it may involve identifying thoughts that are getting in your way and practicing modifying them. All together, therapy can help build emotional resilience so you can become your own therapist and kick butt on your own.
#Therapy#CBT#DBT#EmotionRegulation
Dr. Rachel Lemonik is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist who provides psychotherapy to adolescents and adults in Pleasantville and surrounding towns in Westchester County, as well as virtually in New York State. She specializes in working with people experiencing big feelings and challenging life events.
Learn more about Dr. Lemonik at www.pleasantvilletherapy.com
(914) 488-4343