#15: Why Consider Therapy Even When Things Are Good?
Nov 12, 2023
Therapy is often perceived as a space exclusively reserved for addressing issues or problems in our lives. However, the question arises:
Why is it important to engage in therapy when you're already in a good place emotionally and mentally?
Amidst the baseline of good mental health and a regulated nervous system, the notion of seeking therapy might seem superfluous or counterintuitive.
Frequently associated with tackling mental health challenges and conflicts, therapy's role extends beyond reactive measures. In fact, there are compelling reasons why embracing therapy during emotional wellbeing can yield significant benefits.
An adage comes to mind: "Fix the roof while the sun is shining." This metaphor aptly applies to therapy. Just as preventive dental care is undertaken to avert potential issues, therapy serves as an early intervention and a means of preventive support. Engaging in reflective practices enables the recognition of early signs of emotional shifts, allowing proactive attention to areas of tension before they escalate into more substantial problems.
The practice of reflective self-awareness concerning our present circumstances, past experiences, and future aspirations facilitates a conscious and objective observation of our life journey. Through heightened self-awareness, we gain a profound understanding of both our internal and external landscapes. This empowers us to make intentional choices that align our behaviours with our core values, an essential facet of realising an authentic and fulfilling life.
When our nervous system operates within a regulated baseline, our cognitive faculties are optimised for logical reasoning and rational thinking. This primes us to effectively problem-solve and enhance our skill set. Engaging in therapy while in a state of emotional wellbeing allows for the cultivation and practice of coping strategies, enabling adept navigation through challenges as they arise.
“When our nervous system operates within a regulated baseline, our cognitive faculties are optimised for logical reasoning and rational thinking.”
Life transitions and significant events, such as relocating, embarking on a new career, or embracing parenthood, often entail destabilisation and heightened vulnerability. These periods can result in decreased overall wellbeing. Therapy offers a supportive sanctuary to strategise the navigation of such life-altering events while ensuring the alignment of your nervous system's requirements. Whether you possess well-honed internal resources or not, acknowledging the multi-layered emotional changes that unfold fosters emotional security.
Furthermore, consider the energy and motivation demanded to secure a therapist during moments of crisis. The process of locating the right professional, coordinating schedules, finding the venue, and initiating a connection can exacerbate stress when you are already feeling compromised. Proactively addressing these factors in advance can bolster your willingness and readiness to engage when the need arises.
This discourse serves to reframe therapy as an act of self-care and self-love, rather than mere self-preservation. Ultimately, engaging in therapy while in a state of wellbeing constitutes an investment in long-term wellness. Equipped with the tools acquired through therapy, you can confidently navigate life's unpredictable terrains. So, why consider therapy when things are good? Because it's an investment in the strength, resilience, and capacity to embrace whatever challenges life presents, ensuring your wellbeing endures.
Author
